This article covers cultural relations between India and Malta, tourism and training links, and the Indian community in Malta. It is based on the MEA bilateral brief of June 2026.
Cultural agreement and events
According to the MEA brief of June 2026, a cultural agreement between India and Malta was signed in 1992 and remains in force. The High Commission of India has organised cultural events such as celebrations of Indian festivals, film festivals, food festivals and performances by Indian cultural troupes.
As part of the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of India-Malta diplomatic relations, a special reception was organised on 8 August 2025, with the President of Malta attending as Chief Guest. A Rajasthani Folk Song & Dance Group, sponsored by ICCR, performed at the event.
Mahatma Gandhi in Malta
A statue of Mahatma Gandhi was gifted to Malta by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). Malta Post issued commemorative stamps on the occasion of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Malta Post had earlier issued a commemorative stamp on Mahatma Gandhi in 1969, on the occasion of his 100th Birth Anniversary.
Yoga
The brief states that the International Day of Yoga is celebrated "very enthusiastically" in Malta. The High Commission has a Teacher of Indian Culture under ICCR, who regularly organises yoga sessions in Malta.
Ministerial visit on culture and tourism
Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi paid an official visit to Malta from 21 to 23 August 2022. She met Foreign Minister of Malta Dr. Ian Borg and called on President of Malta Dr. George Vella. She also met Tourism Minister Mr. Clayton Bartolo and Mr. Owen Bonnici, Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government.
Tourism
An MoU in the field of Tourism Cooperation was signed between the Ministry of Tourism of Malta and the Ministry of Tourism of India on 17.9.2018. It was one of three MoUs signed during the visit of Vice President Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu to Malta.
Education and diplomatic training
An MoU for Cooperation between the Foreign Service Institute (FSI), MEA, and the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies (MEDAC), University of Malta, was signed on 17.9.2018. It links the institutions that train diplomats in the two countries.
Dialogue on culture, education and skills
At the third round of Foreign Office Consultations, in September 2023, the two sides discussed furthering relations in skill development and cultural linkages. At the fourth round, in March 2026, discussions covered tourism and cooperation in educational and cultural fields.
The Indian community
As of the MEA brief of June 2026, the Indian diaspora in Malta is estimated at around 25,000, and the brief states that it has grown rapidly in recent years. It forms the largest cohort of foreign workers in Malta.
The brief states that the community is made up primarily of healthcare workers, skilled professionals in both IT and pharma, and workers in the hospitality, transport and construction sectors.
During the visit of INS Sudarshini to Malta from 12 to 15 March 2026, the High Commission hosted a reception in honour of the ship, attended by high-level Maltese government dignitaries. It also organised a public viewing of the ship for the Indian community and a special yoga session for the crew.
Indian workers and students should confirm current requirements with the Malta High Commission in New Delhi, whose details are given in the practical guide in this series.