India and China are exploring a joint UNESCO nomination for the Great Tang Records on the Western Regions, authored by the seventh-century Tang monk Xuanzang, The Print and StratNews Global reported. The proposal was raised during the second BRICS Culture Working Group meeting held in Varanasi under India's chairmanship.

Huanqiu Wang noted that Xuanzang's 19-year journey across Central Asia and India is documented in this text, completed in 646. The book provides detailed accounts of seventh-century Indian political, social, and religious conditions, and is regarded as a shared civilizational heritage of both countries.

A UNESCO joint nomination means two or more countries with shared cultural roots collaborate on a heritage application. Analysts say the proposal would mark a rare instance of India-China cooperation in the cultural domain at a time when ties have been on a positive trajectory.

The two nations have long had tense relations due to border disputes, but diplomatic contacts have been increasing recently. The joint nomination discussions are interpreted as a symbolic move toward relationship repair, using cultural heritage as a vehicle.

If the nomination proceeds, it is expected to raise international awareness of the shared cultural legacy formed through historical Silk Road exchanges between India and China.