Madhya Pradesh and France Sign MoU to Promote Cultural and Tourism Collaboration

In a significant development, Madhya Pradesh has signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with France aimed at enhancing cultural and tourism ties. The agreement was signed at the Chief Minister’s residence, Samatva, in Bhopal, in the presence of Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav.

Dr Yadav stated that this partnership would pave the way for collaboration in industrial development, encouragement of entrepreneurship, and promotion of traditional crafts. "This MoU embodies our vision to establish Madhya Pradesh as not only the cultural capital of India but also as a dynamic global centre for tourism and cultural exchange. The agreement will provide international exposure to the state's artists and is expected to significantly boost tourist footfall from France and across Europe," he added.

The MoU was signed by Dr Thierry Mathou, French Ambassador to India; Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary of the Tourism, Culture, and Religious Trusts & Endowments Department and Managing Director of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board; and Mr Akhilesh Verma, President of Alliance Française Bhopal. The arrangement is valid for three years, with the possibility of extension by mutual consent.

Ambassador Dr Thierry Mathou expressed his pleasure at formalising this partnership and stated, “We are delighted to establish this important collaboration with the Government of Madhya Pradesh. France places great emphasis on cooperation in tourism, security, environment, and education. This MoU will strengthen cultural diplomacy between the two nations, unlocking new opportunities in the domains of art, education, and tourism.”

The MoU aims to facilitate joint cultural activities such as art festivals, music and dance performances, film screenings, and culinary events, as well as the creation of an annual Indo-French Cultural Calendar. The plan also includes translating Madhya Pradesh’s tourism content into French and providing specialised language and cultural training for tourism personnel to better serve international visitors.

This collaboration is expected to promote Madhya Pradesh’s cultural prominence internationally, offering local artists, artisans, students, and institutions new opportunities, while attracting more French visitors to the state.

Other attendees included Raghvendra Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary, Department of Industries; Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet, French Consul-General in India; Shad Joynal Abedin, Political Advisor to the French Embassy; and representatives from Alliance Française.