India to Host First-Ever World Heritage Committee Session, Launches Cultural Art Project

India is set to host the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee for the first time from July 21-31, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi potentially inaugurating the event. In preparation, the government has launched a public art project themed on India's cultural and UNESCO heritage sites.

India is gearing up to host the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee for the first time from July 21-31, with sources indicating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may inaugurate this landmark event.

In advance of the session, the government has unveiled a public art project celebrating India's rich cultural legacy and its UNESCO heritage sites.

Officials say that the artwork and sculptures created for this project will draw inspiration from renowned heritage sites such as Bimbetka and other natural world heritage sites across India.

The 46th World Heritage Committee session will take place at Bharat Mandapam, marking a historic first for India.

Although there is no official confirmation yet, sources suggest that Prime Minister Modi may inaugurate the event on July 21.

India's number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites recently increased to 42, with the inclusion of the 'Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysala' last September, according to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The list includes culturally significant sites like the Red Fort, Taj Mahal, and the ancient Nalanda university ruins among others.

With 42 UNESCO sites, India currently ranks sixth globally, trailing only behind Italy, Spain, Germany, China, and France.

(With inputs from agencies.)