Ministry Of Culture Signs MoU With YouTube To Promote Indian Folk Music Globally

The Ministry of Culture has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with YouTube to promote and amplify India’s traditional folk and tribal music on a global stage.

The agreement was formalised in New Delhi in the presence of Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Culture Secretary Vivek Aggarwal, and YouTube India Managing Director Gunjan Soni.

Calling the initiative a significant step for India’s creative economy, Shekhawat said the partnership aims to provide folk artists with greater visibility, sustainability, and global recognition. The Ministry emphasised that preserving and promoting India’s diverse folk traditions remains central to its mission.

The collaboration will focus on empowering folk, tribal, and traditional artists through digital tools, training, and access to wider audiences. It will also support awareness around intellectual property rights, content monetisation, and sustainable career pathways.

Under the partnership, the Ministry will offer institutional support, infrastructure, and regional networks through its cultural bodies, while YouTube will enable digital skilling in areas such as content creation, channel management, analytics, and audience development.

The initiative seeks to address long-standing challenges around global visibility and digital access for India’s folk music ecosystem, positioning creators to reach new audiences while preserving cultural heritage for future generations.