New Delhi, Aug. 4 -- External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Monday inaugurated the first-ever BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival, calling it a celebration of shared heritage and a powerful display of cultural unity among the member states.

Speaking at the event, titled 'Sapt-Sur', referring to the seven musical notes as well as the seven members in the grouping, Jaishankar highlighted the deep cultural bonds that unite the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) nations and emphasised the role of traditional music in preserving identity and promoting mutual respect.

"An enriching evening of 'Sapt-Sur'! Great to witness traditional music performances from BIMSTEC countries. A comm...