India's cultural outreach: 12 years of restoring shared heritage across Asia

Over the past 12 years, the Indian government has supported the restoration and conservation of ancient temples, archaeological sites, and cultural landmarks across several Asian countries. This initiative has formed a key part of India's diplomatic engagement, using heritage as a means to strengthen bilateral ties and preserve shared history.

In Vietnam, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) began conservation work at the UNESCO-listed Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary in 2014 under a bilateral agreement. The temple complex, once the spiritual centre of the Champa Kingdom, is a significant Hindu heritage site.

In Myanmar, India signed an agreement in 2017 to restore monuments in the Bagan Archaeological Zone that were damaged by an earthquake in 2016. The project included the restoration of 12 pagodas and the Ananda Temple, a revered Buddhist monument.

Following the 2015 earthquake in Nepal, India launched a major heritage restoration initiative with a US$50 million reconstruction package. Work was carried out at 28 cultural sites, including the Seto Machhindranath Temple and Budhanilkantha Temple Dharamshala.

In Cambodia, India has been involved in conserving the Angkor heritage complex since 2022, including work at Ta Prohm, Angkor Wat, and Preah Vihear temples. These sites represent some of the greatest centres of Hindu civilisation outside India.

In Laos, India completed restoration at the UNESCO-listed Vat Phou Temple in 2024. The Shiva temple, over 1,000 years old, is one of the oldest surviving symbols of Indian influence in Southeast Asia.

In Bangladesh, India assisted in rebuilding the historic Ramna Kali Temple in Dhaka, which was destroyed during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. The temple was inaugurated in 2021. India also funded the reconstruction of the Joy Kali Mata Temple in Natore and supported restoration of the Anandomoyee Kali Mata Mandir and Ramakrishna Temple.

In Sri Lanka, India signed an agreement in 2015 to restore the Thiruketheeswaram Temple, one of the island's ancient Pancha Ishwarams dedicated to Lord Shiva. The project received grant assistance of LKR 326 million.

In Bahrain, India financed the redevelopment of the 200-year-old Shreenathji Temple in Manama, which was inaugurated in 2019. The US$4.2 million project is one of the oldest Hindu temples in the Gulf region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit the UNESCO-listed Prambanan Temple in Indonesia, highlighting New Delhi's growing emphasis on diplomatic ties through shared history and culture. Although India did not restore Prambanan, the visit underscores the country's commitment to cultural engagement across Asia.