DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS

India host the 20th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) from 8 to 13 December 2025 in New Delhi.
This highlights India’s growing role in global cultural governance and heritage preservation.

Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH): UNESCO Definition

According to UNESCO, Intangible Cultural Heritage includes the practices, knowledge systems, expressions, objects, and cultural spaces that communities, groups, and individuals recognize as part of their cultural identity.
Examples include oral traditions, performing arts, rituals, festivals, traditional craftsmanship, and social practices.

2003 UNESCO Convention on Safeguarding ICH

• UNESCO adopted the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage on 17 October 2003 during its 32nd General Conference in Paris.

• The Convention established formal mechanisms for international cooperation, recognition, and assistance, forming the basis for UNESCO’s ICH Lists and the functioning of the Intergovernmental Committee.

Objectives of the 2003 Convention

The Convention aims to:

• Safeguard intangible cultural heritage worldwide.

• Ensure respect for the ICH of communities, groups, and individuals.

• Raise awareness at local, national, and international levels about the importance of ICH.

• Promote international cooperation and assistance in safeguarding efforts.

Intergovernmental Committee for Safeguarding of the ICH

The Intergovernmental Committee is responsible for advancing the objectives of the 2003 Convention and ensuring its effective implementation among States Parties.

Key Functions of the Committee

The Committee:

• Promotes and monitors the implementation of the 2003 Convention.

• Provides guidance on best practices and recommends safeguarding measures.

• Prepares and submits to the General Assembly the draft plan for the use of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Fund.

• Mobilises additional resources for the ICH Fund.

• Drafts and proposes Operational Directives for implementing the Convention.

• Examines periodic reports submitted by States Parties and compiles summaries.

• Evaluates requests and takes decisions on:

  • Inscription of elements on UNESCO’s ICH Lists (Articles 16, 17, and 18).

  • Granting of international assistance.

Composition and Membership

• The Committee consists of 24 Member States.

• Members are elected for a four-year term.

• Elections are held every two years during the General Assembly of States Parties.

• India is currently a member (2022–2026) of the Committee.

Significance for India

• Hosting the 20th session strengthens India’s soft power and cultural diplomacy.

• It reinforces India’s commitment to heritage preservation and community-led cultural safeguarding.

• Enhances India’s visibility in shaping global cultural heritage policies.

Despite the availability of a highly effective vaccine, measles caused approximately 95,000 deaths globally in 2024, with the majority of deaths occurring among unvaccinated children under five years of age.
This highlights persistent gaps in immunisation coverage and public health outreach, especially in developing regions.

About Measles

Measles is a highly contagious and serious airborne viral disease.
It is caused by a virus belonging to the paramyxovirus family.
The disease primarily affects the respiratory system but can spread throughout the body, leading to severe complications and even death, particularly in vulnerable populations.

Transmission of Measles

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world.
It spreads through:

• Direct contact with infected nasal or throat secretions during coughing or sneezing, and

• Airborne transmission by breathing air previously exhaled by an infected person.

The virus can remain active and contagious in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours, making transmission extremely easy in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces.

Symptoms of Measles

The disease usually begins with a high fever, appearing 10–14 days after exposure and lasting for several days.
Early symptoms include:

• Runny nose

• Persistent cough

• Red, watery eyes

• Small white spots inside the cheeks (Koplik’s spots)

After a few days, a characteristic rash develops, starting on the face and upper neck, then spreading to the rest of the body, including the hands and feet.
The rash typically lasts five to six days before fading.

Population at Risk

• Any non-immune person, either unvaccinated or inadequately vaccinated, can contract measles.

• Unvaccinated young children and pregnant persons face the highest risk of severe complications.

• Measles remains common in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, where immunisation coverage is uneven.

Treatment and Prevention

There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles. Management focuses on supportive care and prevention of complications.
Measles can be effectively prevented through the safe and effective measles-rubella (MR) vaccine, which provides long-term immunity.
In India, the measles vaccine was introduced under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) in 1985, significantly reducing disease burden.

Recently, ten blackbucks died in the Jamshedpur Zoological Park, Jharkhand, due to suspected Haemorrhagic Septicaemia, raising concerns about wildlife disease management and zoonotic surveillance.

About Haemorrhagic Septicaemia

• Haemorrhagic Septicaemia (HS) is also known as Pasteurellosis.

• It is a bacterial disease caused by specific serotypes of Pasteurella multocida.

• The two most important serotypes associated with the disease are:

  • Type B:2 – prevalent in Asia

  • Type E:2 – prevalent in Africa

• The disease is geographically restricted to parts of Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and southern Europe.

• HS is primarily a major disease of cattle and buffaloes, though it can also affect wild animals such as blackbucks.

Nature and Susceptibility

• The disease is characterized by acute, highly fatal septicaemia, with high morbidity and mortality.

• Young animals and young adults are more susceptible than older animals.

• The causative bacteria survive longer in humid and waterlogged conditions, increasing outbreak risk during monsoon seasons.

Transmission

• Transmission occurs through:

  • Ingestion or inhalation of the bacteria

  • Direct contact with infected animals

  • Indirect transmission (fomites) such as contaminated feed, water, or equipment

Symptoms of Haemorrhagic Septicaemia

• Sudden onset of high fever and dullness

• Loss of appetite and excessive salivation

• Rapidly developing swelling, especially around:

  • Throat

  • Brisket

  • Dewlap

  • Head (in some cases)

• Death may occur quickly if untreated.

Treatment and Prevention

• Vaccines are available and are the most effective preventive measure.

• Early antimicrobial treatment, administered intravenously soon after onset, can significantly reduce mortality.

• Preventive strategies include:

  • Timely vaccination

  • Improved sanitation

  • Avoidance of overcrowding

  • Proper water and feed managemen

1. Strengthening of the Strategic Partnership

India and Russia reaffirmed their Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the 2000 Strategic Partnership Declaration.
Both countries signed 16 agreements and MoUs covering defence, healthcare, trade, economy, culture, and education, reflecting the depth and multidimensional nature of the bilateral relationship.
They adopted Programme 2030 to expand strategic economic cooperation and agreed to fast-track the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
The two sides set an ambitious target of USD 100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030 and committed to resolving pending investment issues.
Energy was reaffirmed as a central pillar of cooperation, alongside enhanced coordination on payment and financial settlement systems.

2. Connectivity and Transport Cooperation

India and Russia agreed to deepen cooperation on key connectivity corridors, particularly the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC), the Chennai–Vladivostok Maritime Corridor, and the Northern Sea Route (NSR).
Both sides emphasized the importance of improving logistics efficiency and reducing transit time between Asia and Europe.
They also agreed to train specialists for polar and Arctic navigation, while continuing collaboration between Indian Railways and Russian Railways to facilitate technology exchange and strengthen transport linkages.

3. Cooperation in the Russian Far East and the Arctic

The two countries agreed to expand trade, investment, and industrial cooperation in the Russian Far East and the Arctic region, guided by the 2024–2029 cooperation framework.
Priority sectors include energy, mining, agriculture, and maritime transport.
India and Russia highlighted growing collaboration on the Northern Sea Route and agreed to hold regular Arctic consultations.
India expressed readiness to play a more proactive role as an Observer in the Arctic Council, reflecting its rising Arctic engagement.

4. Civil Nuclear Energy and Space Cooperation

India and Russia agreed to deepen cooperation in civil nuclear energy, covering the entire nuclear fuel cycle, continued support for the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, and collaboration on advanced nuclear technologies.
This cooperation aligns with India’s long-term goal of achieving 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047.
In space cooperation, both sides welcomed the strengthening of the ISRO–Roscosmos partnership, including collaboration in human spaceflight, satellite navigation, and planetary exploration for peaceful purposes.

5. Defence and Military Cooperation

Defence ties were reaffirmed with a renewed focus on joint research and development, co-development, and co-production of advanced defence systems.
Both sides welcomed the outcomes of the India–Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC).
They agreed to enhance Make-in-India manufacturing of spare parts and components for Russian-origin defence platforms, including potential exports to friendly third countries.

6. Multilateral and Global Cooperation

Russia reiterated its full support for India’s demand for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council.
Moscow also assured strong backing for India’s BRICS Chairship in 2026.
Russia adopted the Framework Agreement to join the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), while India welcomed Russia’s interest in joining the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
Both countries agreed to deepen cooperation on low-carbon technologies, climate finance, and the implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.

7. Counter-Terrorism Cooperation

India and Russia strongly condemned recent terrorist attacks, including the Pahalgam attack (2025) and the Crocus City Hall attack (2024).
They reaffirmed a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, called for decisive action against all UN-listed terrorist groups, and stressed adherence to international law.
Both sides supported the early finalization of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) and emphasized strict implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

Key Areas of Cooperation Between India and Russia

1. Economic Cooperation

Economic engagement forms a major pillar of India–Russia relations. Bilateral trade reached USD 68.7 billion in FY 2024–25, largely driven by increased Indian imports of Russian energy, particularly crude oil.
Both countries have set ambitious targets of achieving USD 100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030 and USD 50 billion in mutual investments by 2025.
India’s key exports to Russia include pharmaceuticals, chemicals, iron and steel, and marine products, while imports from Russia consist mainly of crude oil and petroleum products, sunflower oil, fertilizers, coking coal, and precious stones and metals.

2. Diplomatic and Political Cooperation

India and Russia maintain dense and institutionalized diplomatic engagement, ensuring regular high-level interaction and strategic coordination.
Key mechanisms include the Annual Summit, the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC), the IRIGC on Military and Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC), and the 2+2 Dialogue involving foreign and defence ministers.
Both countries also work closely in multilateral forums such as the G20, BRICS, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), reinforcing their shared vision on global governance and multipolarity.

3. Defence and Military Cooperation

Defence cooperation remains the cornerstone of the India–Russia strategic partnership, guided by the 2021–2031 Military-Technical Cooperation Agreement.
The relationship has evolved from a traditional buyer–seller model to joint research, development, and production, exemplified by platforms such as BrahMos missiles, Su-30MKI aircraft, T-90 tanks, and AK-203 rifles.
Regular bilateral military exercises like INDRA and participation in exercises such as Zapad-2025 enhance interoperability.
India’s induction of major Russian-origin platforms, including submarines, frigates, and the S-400 air defence system, reflects sustained trust and strategic convergence.

4. Science, Technology, and Nuclear Cooperation

India and Russia enjoy strong cooperation in science and technology, particularly in space and nuclear energy.
Russian support for Gaganyaan astronaut training highlights the depth of space collaboration, while the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant stands as India’s largest civilian nuclear project with foreign assistance.
The Science, Technology and Innovation Roadmap (2021) aims to promote joint research, innovation ecosystems, and commercialization of technologies between the two countries.

5. Education and Cultural Cooperation

Education forms a vital people-to-people link, with nearly 20,000 Indian students currently studying in Russia, mainly in medical universities.
Cultural ties have gained momentum through large-scale events such as Bharat Utsav 2025 in Moscow and the Indian Film Festival held across multiple Russian cities, reflecting growing cultural awareness and enthusiasm for India among the Russian public.

Conclusion:
India–Russia cooperation spans economic, defence, diplomatic, scientific, educational, and cultural domains, making the partnership resilient, multi-dimensional, and strategically significant in an evolving global order.