In a major step towards enhancing international cultural and tourism collaboration, the Government of Madhya Pradesh signed a landmark tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the French government and Alliance Française recently. The agreement was formalised at Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav’s residence, Samatva Bhavan (Bhopal) in the presence of senior dignitaries, including French Ambassador to India Dr. Thierry Mathou.
The MoU, valid for three years and extendable by mutual consent, aims to position Madhya Pradesh as a central hub for Indo-French cultural and tourism exchange. It was signed by Ambassador Dr. Thierry Mathou; Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary for Tourism, Culture, and Religious Trusts & Endowments and Managing Director of the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board; and Akhilesh Verma, President of Alliance Française de Bhopal.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav described the MoU as a landmark agreement that underscores Madhya Pradesh’s ambition to become not only the cultural capital of India but also a global centre for tourism and cultural diplomacy. “India and France share a long-standing friendship, which has grown even stronger following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to France. This partnership is a significant step towards boosting tourism, supporting local artisans, and increasing international exposure for our artists and cultural institutions,” he said, while also confirming his planned visit to France next month.
Ambassador Mathou echoed the sentiment, saying, “We are delighted to formalise this collaboration with Madhya Pradesh. France values partnerships in tourism, education, environment, and cultural exchange. This MoU will deepen our cultural ties and open new avenues for cooperation in arts, education, and heritage preservation.”
The MoU outlines a range of collaborative initiatives including joint organisation of cultural festivals, art exhibitions, music and dance performances, culinary events and film screenings, creation of an annual Indo-French Cultural Calendar, translation of Madhya Pradesh’s tourism promotion content into French and specialised training in French language and culture for tourism officials and guides in the state to enhance the visitor experience.
Officials expect the partnership to result in a significant increase in tourist arrivals from France and other parts of Europe, while also providing international platforms for Madhya Pradesh’s artists, students, and craftspeople. The collaboration is poised to strengthen the state’s global cultural identity and stimulate both economic and cultural development.
Also present at the signing were Raghvendra Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary, Department of Industries; Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet, Consul General of France in India; Shad Joynal Abedin, Political Advisor to the French Embassy and representatives from Alliance Française.