Nagaland has officially named Switzerland and Ireland as country partners for the Hornbill Festival 2025, marking a major milestone in the festival’s growth into a global cultural event. The announcements came following separate meetings in New Delhi yesterday. Switzerland’s partnership was confirmed after a meeting between Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Swiss Ambassador Maya Tissafi in New Delhi yesterday.

Welcoming the partnership, Ambassador Tissafi expressed hope that it would pave the way for deeper cultural ties and future collaborations across various sectors. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Rio also met with Irish Ambassador Kevin Kelly to announce Ireland as another Country Partner for the prestigious festival. Ireland’s involvement will bring a rich cultural programme, including folk music, theatre, literary events, public art installations and dialogue sessions.

Ambassador Kelly emphasized that the partnership reflects growing cultural and diplomatic ties between Ireland and India. Switzerland and Ireland now join the United Kingdom as country partners for Hornbill Festival 2025, reinforcing the festival’s increasing international recognition as a vibrant celebration of cultural exchange and diversity.