The Ministry of Culture promotes India’s art and culture abroad with a view to strengthening cultural relations with foreign countries through the conclusion and implementation of Cultural Agreements, Cultural Exchange Programmes, Memoranda of Understanding on Cultural Cooperation, and other bilateral cultural instruments. The Ministry also coordinates India’s participation in multilateral cultural forums, including G20, BRICS, SCO, SAARC, and other international platforms, to enhance cultural cooperation and promote India’s soft power.
Further, the Ministry administers the Global Engagement Scheme (GES), under which Festivals of India are organised abroad to showcase India’s diverse cultural traditions. The Scheme also provides Grants-in-Aid to Indo-Foreign Friendship Cultural Societies through Indian Missions abroad for the promotion of Indian art, culture, and cultural exchanges.
The Scheme “Global Engagement Scheme” has been revised and continued for the period FY 2026-27 to 2030-31 with an outlay of Rs. 299.94 crore. The Scheme has the following Sub Schemes:
- International Cultural Exchange Programme
- Project Mausam
- Brihattar Bharat
- Safeguarding the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) and Diverse Cultural Traditions of India
In addition, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), an organisation under the Ministry of External Affairs, plays a significant role in promoting Indian culture across the world through Indian Missions/Posts and its network of Cultural Centres abroad. ICCR undertakes a wide range of cultural activities, including the teaching of Yoga, Indian classical and folk dance, vocal and instrumental music, Indian languages and other cultural disciplines.
The budgetary provisions and actual expenses for “Global Engagement Scheme” during the last five financial years are as under:
| Financial Year | Budgetary Provisions
(Rupees in Crore) |
Actual Expenses
(Rupees in Crore) |
| 2021-22 | 10.50 | 9.86 |
| 2022-23 | 16.25 | 12.96 |
| 2023-24 | 25.72 | 24.92 |
| 2024-25 | 10.50 | 9.08 |
| 2025-26 | 4.65 | 2.60 |
This information was given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Rajya Sabha.
Janice Alyosius is a travel and MICE journalist focusing on business travel, destination marketing, aviation and industry policy. She leads editorial content at MICEtalk and also writes for TravTalk, covering global trends, trade developments and key industry conversations. With regular reporting from tourism forums, conventions and on-ground industry events, her work blends news-led analysis with strong industry voices, offering clear context and relevance for travel trade professionals and decision-makers.