Exploring India-Britain Relations: Cultural Ties and Historical Context
Cultural Connections Between India and Britain
Session on India-Britain relations at the Dialogue 2026 (Photo: AT)
Guwahati, Sept 29: Amit Sengupta, who leads Media and Communications for East and Northeast India at the British High Commission, highlighted that football, music, and educational institutions are key elements of Britain's soft power during a session titled ‘The World is Changing: Where do India and Britain Stand Together’ at the Dialogue 2026.
During the discussion, moderated by senior sub-editor Nasreen Habib, Sengupta elaborated on how Britain perceives its soft power in a global landscape where nations are increasingly prioritizing influence over military and economic might.
He noted that football, especially club football, serves as a prominent example of this influence. British music, spanning from iconic bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones to modern artists such as Ed Sheeran, has made a significant impact worldwide, alongside British universities and literature that foster enduring connections.
The dialogue then shifted to a more intricate aspect of India-UK relations, focusing on the remnants of colonial history within British institutions.
Habib inquired about Oxford University’s recent decision to return 39 human remains of Naga individuals taken during the colonial era, as well as the broader collections of Naga remains held in various European and American institutions.
Sengupta emphasized the need for a sensitive approach to this issue, as it involves dignity and the perspectives of communities and their descendants. He stressed the importance of engaging with source communities and investigating the provenance of such collections.
The conversation then returned to Assam, discussing the Vrindavani Vastra, a 16th-century textile from Assam that is anticipated to be loaned back from the British Museum in 2027.
Sengupta expressed that this textile symbolizes a chance for the people of Assam to reconnect with a vital aspect of their cultural heritage. He mentioned that such exchanges could enhance the broader cultural ties between India and Britain through collaborations involving museums, scholars, artists, and cultural institutions.
Habib highlighted the establishment of a climate-controlled museum in Assam and questioned whether the return of the Vrindavani Vastra could signal the start of more such returns. Sengupta replied that this would rely on the specific relationships with museums, noting that UK museums operate independently of government control.
The moderator also asked which aspects of Assam could gain more international recognition beyond its well-known associations with tea, wildlife, and the Brahmaputra River. Sengupta pointed out the state's rich weaving traditions and crafts, as well as the contributions of a new generation of artists and creators.
The discussion concluded with a strong message urging Assam to confidently showcase its cultural assets on the global stage. Sengupta asserted that providing more opportunities for people outside the state to engage with its culture, crafts, and creative endeavors could help position Assam more prominently on the international cultural landscape.