Prime Minister of India - Dr. Manmohan Singh

Joint Declaration of the European Commission and India

The European Commission and the Government of India hereinafter referred as "Sides" wish to reinforce cooperation and dialogue in the field of culture.

The European Commission and the Government of India ,declare their wish to strengthen cooperation and dialogue between the European Commission and the Government of India in the field of culture.

The European Commission and the Government of India consider that cultural cooperation is instrumental in improving mutual understanding and in promoting genuine intercultural dialogue, and both the European Commission and the Government of India share a commitment to the preservation and promotion of cultural diversity.

Both sides furthermore recognize the importance of their cultural relations as underpinned by:

� the Cooperation Agreement signed on 20th December 1993, in particular its provisions regarding cultural cooperation (article 15),

� the EU-India Joint Declaration on Cultural Relations adopted on 3rd November, 2004 at the India-EU summit in The Hague

� the 2005 EU-India Joint Action Plan supporting the Strategic Partnership.

� the Joint Statement issued at the EU-India Summit in New Delhi on 30th November, 2007.

They further acknowledge the mutually acceptable framework being discussed under future EU-funded culture programme, which will further promote and strengthen the rich cultural cooperation between the two sides.

In this context The European Commission and the Government of India recognize the positive outcome of 2008 EU-India Summit in Marseille, and in particular the decision to develop a dialogue between the parties in the field of culture.

While building on past achievements, both sides intend to further exploit the potential for cooperation between both regions through the development of new policy-oriented activities.

The European Commission and the Government of India declare their common intentions as follows:

� Under the auspices of the 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions 2005 to which both the European Community and the Government of India are parties, the Directorate General for Education and Culture on one side and the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, on the other side, will set up a sector policy dialogue covering issues of common interest in the field of culture that will help to protect and promote the diversity of cultural expressions.

� The sector policy dialogue and cooperation will consist of regular exchanges of best practices, achievements and challenges, and promotion of knowledge building and sharing in relation to commonly identified issues.

� The mutual dialogue may also include discussions on existing and future cooperation in the field of Culture. Specific events such as seminars, workshops, or expert meetings will be jointly organized for the purpose of those exchanges and discussions, with the participation of relevant stakeholders. These events could be held annually, alternately in Brussels and in New Delhi or in any other venue agreed to by both sides. In addition, special promotional events, with the participation of relevant stakeholders, could be organized.

� Both sides will jointly set up a rolling work programme which will be continually updated for conducting this dialogue. They will regularly review its implementation and avenues for future cooperation. To this end, senior officials from both sides will meet in principle once a year at alternating venues. Other occasional meetings may be held as necessary.

� Both sides will bear their own delegation's costs of participation in such events and meetings. All other costs linked to the organization of these seminars, workshops and meetings will be borne by the side hosting the events, except if agreed otherwise.

The provisions of this Joint Declaration express political intent and are not designed to create legal rights or obligations under international law.

Done at _______ on the _______ in two originals in English language.

For the European Commission

Mr. Jan Truszczynski

Director General for Education, Training, Culture and Youth

For the Government of India

Mr Jawhar Sircar,

Secretary, Ministry of Culture