Parliament Question: Formulation of National Framework for Cultural Diplomacy

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3663 TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.08.2026 FORMULATION OF NATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR CULTURAL DIPLOMACY

3663. Shri Jagdambika Pal:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government proposes to formulate a National Framework for Cultural Diplomacy to strengthen India's global cultural presence and civilizational outreach;

(b) whether the proposed framework envisages expanding cultural exchanges, international festivals, museum collaborations, heritage exhibitions, academic partnerships and digital cultural platforms;

(c) whether the framework is proposed to support India's diplomatic engagement through greater participation in multilateral cultural initiatives and people-to-people exchanges; and

(d) if so, the details thereof? ANSWER MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

(a) to (d) The Ministry of Culture promotes India's cultural relations with other countries through the Global Engagement Scheme (GES), an umbrella scheme aimed at strengthening India's international cultural engagement and cultural diplomacy. The Scheme seeks to promote India's civilizational heritage, cultural diversity and contemporary creative traditions through structured bilateral and multilateral cooperation. It supports cultural exchanges, heritage conservation, documentation, capacity building and engagement with international cultural organizations.

The Global Engagement Scheme comprises four components, namely the International Cultural Exchange Programme (ICEP), Project Mausam, Brihattar Bharat and the Scheme for Safeguarding the Intangible Cultural Heritage and Diverse Cultural Traditions of India. Underthe International Cultural Exchange Programme (ICEP), the Ministry undertakes Festivals of India, cultural exchanges, deputation of artists and cultural troupes, and implements Cultural Exchange Programmes (CEPs), Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and other bilateral cultural cooperation mechanisms. The Ministry currently has valid Cultural Exchange Programmes (CEPs) with 98 countries, providing an institutional framework for cooperation in the fields of culture, museums, heritage, performing arts and other related sectors. The Scheme also facilitates India's participation in multilateral cultural forums, including BRICS, G20, SCO and BIMSTEC.

The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of External Affairs, complements these initiatives by promoting India's cultural heritage and strengthening people-to-people contacts through its network of Indian Cultural Centres and cultural programmes abroad. ICCR actively projects India's diverse culture in foreign countries by facilitating artistic exchanges through the organisation of flagship international cultural festivals in India, where foreign artists are invited to perform. It also organises visual arts exhibitions, hosts Art Residencies to showcase India's rich civilizational heritage, and commemorates national and international occasions in foreign countries, including the International Day of Yoga.

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