Dimapur: The Nagaland government and the British Council on Monday signed an agreement formalising the United Kingdom's role as one of the country partners for the upcoming Hornbill Festival 2025.

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Alison Barrett MBE, Country Director-India, British Council, signed the agreement in New Delhi, with British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron CB OBE and senior representatives from both sides present.

A release said the agreement strengthens the ongoing collaboration between the two partners to promote cultural exchange, support creative talent, and enhance global visibility for Nagaland's cultural heritage.

Under the partnership, the British Council, the UK's international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, is working closely with the British Deputy High Commission in Kolkata to curate meaningful programming for the festival.

As in previous editions, the British Council will bring an artist from the UK to participate in the festival. This year, Scottish artist Ruairidh Maclean (RuMac) will perform on December 2.

On the occasion, Rio also said, "Nagaland is honoured to welcome the United Kingdom as our Country Partner for this year's Hornbill Festival. This partnership reflects our shared values and a strong commitment to cultural exchange, collaboration, and people-to-people ties."

He further added that the UK's participation will enrich the festival and open new avenues for cooperation in culture, tourism, education, and enterprise.

"We look forward to welcoming our friends from the United Kingdom to the 'Land of Festivals'," he further added.

"The UK is proud to support the incredible Hornbill Festival once again as a Country Partner. The deep personal and cultural connections between the UK and India, our living bridge, are what make this partnership so special. Welsh, Naga, and Khasi artists performed together at the festival's silver jubilee last year. It is fantastic to follow that up with Scottish music this year," said Lindy Cameron, CB OBE, British High Commissioner to India.