The Ministry of Culture has detailed its Global Engagement Scheme (GES) as the framework for India's cultural diplomacy efforts in response to parliamentary questions. The umbrella scheme aims to strengthen India's international cultural engagement and promote the country's civilizational heritage, cultural diversity, and contemporary creative traditions through structured bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
The GES comprises four specific components: 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. Under 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 maintains valid Cultural Exchange Programmes with 98 countries, providing an institutional framework for cooperation in culture, museums, heritage, performing arts, and 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 organization 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 programs abroad. ICCR projects India's diverse culture internationally by organizing flagship international cultural festivals in India with foreign artists, visual arts exhibitions, Art Residencies to showcase India's civilizational heritage, and commemorating national and international occasions abroad including the International Day of Yoga.
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