India's Cultural Diplomacy: Soft Power Through Global Engagement
International Relations · Wednesday, 12 August 2026
India maintains active Cultural Exchange Programmes with 98 countries under the umbrella Global Engagement Scheme to project civilisational soft power. Through initiatives like Project Mausam, Yoga, and ICCR Chairs, India builds non-coercive global influence.
Quick highlights
- India operates active Cultural Exchange Programmes (CEPs) with 98 countries.
- Functions under the Ministry of Culture's umbrella Global Engagement Scheme (GES).
- Encompasses Project Mausam, Festivals of India, and Intangible Cultural Heritage safeguarding.
- ICCR leads international outreach via cultural centers, educational scholarships, and university chairs.
- Cultural diplomacy bridges political friction and boosts creative tourism and national image.
Context
The Union Culture and Tourism Minister informed the Lok Sabha that India maintains valid Cultural Exchange Programmes (CEPs) with 98 countries under the Global Engagement Scheme.
Key Facts
Cultural diplomacy leverages civilisational heritage, art, yoga, and literature to build trust and non-coercive goodwill. Core delivery mechanisms include Bilateral CEPs, Festivals of India abroad, Project Mausam, ICCR academic chairs, and multilateral platforms like G20, SCO, and BRICS.
Significance
Soft power creates empathetic people-to-people connections, keeps dialogue open during geopolitical tension, and drives creative tourism and economic opportunities.
Challenges / Way Forward
Budgetary constraints, inter-agency coordination delays between the Ministry of Culture and MEA, and gaps in modern digital narratives present hurdles. A unified national strategy and expanded public-private partnerships are necessary.
Exam Angle
Essential for GS Paper II (International Relations & Soft Power Diplomacy) and GS Paper I (Art and Culture preservation).
Remember this
- Active CEP Countries: 98 nations.
- Umbrella Scheme: Global Engagement Scheme (GES).
- Primary Executive Agency: Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).
- Key Historical Initiative: Project Mausam (Indian Ocean maritime links).
- Multilateral Integration: SCO, BRICS, BIMSTEC, G20.
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