The Government of Nagaland has announced the United Kingdom as the country partner for the upcoming Hornbill Festival 2025, to be held from 1 to 10 December at Kisama, Kohima. A formal agreement was signed yesterday by Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio and Country Director India, British Council, Alison Barrett, in the presence of British High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron, and senior representatives from both sides at New Delhi. Under this partnership, the British Council, working with the British Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, will curate meaningful programming for the festival, including bringing an artist from the UK to participate in the festival.
The state also named Air India Express as the Official Travel Partner for the Hornbill Festival. The partnership was announced by Advisor to Chief Minister, Abu Metha and Managing Director, Air India Express, Aloke Singh, at the airline’s headquarters in Gurugram in the presence of several key officials. As part of the collaboration, Air India Express will introduce a Boeing 737-8 aircraft featuring a livery inspired by the Tsüngkotepsü design of the Ao Naga tribe’s warrior shawl, under its ‘Tales of India’ initiative. The special aircraft will be received by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio at Dimapur Airport on November 22. The airline will also offer a 15 percent discount on flights to and from Nagaland, starting November 20. Welcoming the partnerships, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio expressed hopes that the ties will drive tourism, cultural exchange, and economic growth.
