Mission Mausam is an initiative launched by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in 2014. The program seeks to explore and revive India’s ancient maritime routes and cultural exchanges with over 39 countries along the Indian Ocean littoral, including East Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Arabian Peninsula. It aims to highlight the role that coastal communities and trade routes played in shaping cultural, religious, and commercial links between these regions.
Drawing inspiration from the seasonal monsoon winds that facilitated sea voyages and trade, Mission Mausam seeks to document the shared maritime heritage and foster deeper cultural ties with participating countries. It promotes archaeological and historical research, bringing together scholars from various nations to study ancient port cities, artifacts, and trade routes. The mission also aims to establish a transnational World Heritage nomination, promoting tourism and international cooperation.
By uncovering these connections, Mission Mausam aims to strengthen India’s diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations with Indian Ocean countries.
It emphasizes not only the historical importance of maritime exchanges but also the contemporary significance of cultural diplomacy in the globalized world. Through this initiative, India seeks to reaffirm its role as a bridge between the East and West, building a future rooted in shared history.
