The Ministry of Culture promotes India's soft power globally by fostering cultural ties through:
- Bilateral Agreements and Cultural Exchange Programmes (CEP): Signing agreements with other countries to enhance cultural cooperation.
- Multilateral Cooperation: Collaborating with global platforms like BRICS, SCO, G20, BIMSTEC, SAARC, and ASEAN.
Key Initiatives:
- Festivals of India Abroad: Organised to showcase India's rich cultural heritage, including music, dance, theatre, films, food festivals, folk arts, exhibitions, lectures, and workshops. These festivals aim to strengthen India's global image, enhance people-to-people connections, and boost sectors like trade, tourism, medical tourism, and AYUSH.
- Grants-in-aid to Indo-Foreign Friendship Cultural Societies: Financial support (up to ₹10 lakh) is provided to societies abroad promoting Indian culture through discussions, seminars, performances, exhibitions, yoga sessions, and Indian music and dance programmes. Proposals are evaluated by an expert committee based on merit and available funds
Cultural Agreement
Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP)
Global Engagement Scheme
