An Indian culture week was inaugurated today at China Shanghai International Arts Festival (CSIAF) where India has been designated as a guest country for the first time.<br/><br/>The India culture week called "India in Shanghai" was inaugurated by Indian Ambassador Ashok K Kantha along with Zhong Yanqun, Vice Chair of The Standing Committee of the Shanghai Municipal People's Congress at the majestic Shanghai Grand Theatre <br/><br/>China Shanghai International Arts Festival (CSIAF) is the only state-level International Arts Festival hosted by the Ministry of Culture of China and organized by Shanghai Municipal People's Government. This is the first time in the 17-year history of the China Shanghai International Arts Festival that India has been designated as the guest country during the festival. <br/><br/>The India Culture Week at China Shanghai Arts Festival aims to provide Chinese people a glimpse of the multi-faceted cultural traditions of India as well as enable a better understanding of India among Chinese people. The cultural performances are also expected to lead to a greater collaboration between Indian & Chinese performing Arts and corresponding institutions. <br/><br/>The India Culture Week in Shanghai has been brought together by the collective effort and support of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Ministry of Tourism and several leading companies engaged in promotion of India China bilateral trade and investments.