At the 11th United Nations Alliance of Civilisations (UNAOC) gathering in Riyadh on December 15, India underscored its civilisational ethos and commitment to global harmony. Secretary (East) P. Kumaran led the Indian delegation and delivered the country’s national statement at the High-Level Meeting of the Group of Friends of the UNAOC, stressing the alliance’s role in fostering understanding across cultures and nations.
Kumaran highlighted India’s identity as a nation shaped by an ancient civilisation and marked by cultural and religious plurality. He invoked the guiding principles of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the idea of the world as one family — and Sarva Dharma Samabhav, which promotes equal respect for all religions, presenting them as foundational to India’s engagement with the world. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, his remarks reflected India’s long-standing commitment to dialogue, inclusivity and peaceful coexistence. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also circulated these points on social media, noting India’s support for UNAOC’s mission.
Separately, India continued its diplomatic outreach in the region: on December 13, 2025, New Delhi and Tbilisi conducted the 8th round of India–Georgia Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in Tbilisi. Led by Secretary (West) Sibi George for India and Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Khvitisiashvili for Georgia, the talks reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral ties — political cooperation, trade and economic relations, cultural exchange and people-to-people links — and explored opportunities to broaden cooperation into new areas.
Together, the Riyadh and Tbilisi engagements illustrate India’s dual focus on multilateral cultural diplomacy and strengthening bilateral partnerships. By promoting interfaith respect and cross-cultural dialogue through forums like UNAOC, and by deepening practical ties with partners such as Georgia, India continues to project a foreign policy grounded in pluralism and cooperative engagement.
