On 3 February 2026, the EESC hosted an Indian Cultural Evening in the Jacques Delors building that attracted an exceptional turnout of around 150 participants.

Organised in partnership with the Embassy of India in Brussels, the event began with opening remarks from Marija Hanževački, Vice-President for Communication, and featured contributions from H.E. Saurabh Kumar, Ambassador of India to the EU, Belgium and Luxembourg, as well as Stefano Palmieri, president of the EESC’s External Relations Section.

Attendees enjoyed vibrant dance performances of bharatanatyam and kathak, followed by a networking reception with Indian cuisine and a screening of the acclaimed film Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (You Only Live Once).

The evening was part of ongoing efforts to deepen the EU-India strategic partnership through cultural diplomacy, reflecting priorities set out in the EESC’s March 2025 opinion and the recent EU-India summit. By bringing together EESC members, diplomats and staff, the event showcased the role of culture in fostering dialogue and mutual understanding. The high level of engagement and participation highlighted a growing enthusiasm for cultural exchange as a driver of international cooperation.