Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, has been designated as the 'creative city of craft and folk arts' by UCCN, UNESCO said in a statement.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his joy on Twitter over Srinagar joining the UNESCO's Creative Cities Network (UCCN). Congratulating the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the achievement, Modi said that Srinagar's inclusion is a "fitting recognition for the vibrant cultural ethos" of the old city.

"Delighted that beautiful Srinagar joins the @UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) with a special mention for its craft and folk art. It is a fitting recognition for the vibrant cultural ethos of Srinagar. Congratulations to the people of Jammu and Kashmir," his tweet read.

Worldwide, 49 new cities have joined the UNESCO's Creative Cities Network (UCCN) following their designation by UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, in recognition of their commitment to placing culture and creativity at the heart of their development and to sharing knowledge and good practices, the UNESCO said.

Srinagar has joined Chennai and Varanasi as UNESCO Cities of music; Jaipur - UNESCO city of crafts and folk arts; Mumbai - UNESCO city of films; Hyderabad - UNESCO City of gastronomy, the world cultural body said.

The network has now grown to 295 cities reaching 90 countries that invest in culture and creativity - crafts and folk art, design, film, gastronomy, literature, media arts, and music - to advance sustainable urban development, it added.