Lok Sabha Question No. 4634 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-20
Subject: Revitalization of ICCR
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Smt. Bharti Pardhi, Dr. Shrikant Eknath Shinde, Shri Ravindra Dattaram Waikar, Shri Shrirang Appa Chandu Barne, Shri Naresh Ganpat Mhaske

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4634

ANSWERED ON - 20/03/2026

REVITALIZATION OF ICCR

4634. SHRI NARESH GANPAT MHASKE

SHRI SHRIRANG APPA CHANDU BARNE

SMT. BHARTI PARDHI

DR. SHRIKANT EKNATH SHINDE

SHRI RAVINDRA DATTARAM WAIKAR

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the revitalization of the ICCR has successfully projected India's rich cultural heritage as a pillar of its global "Soft Power" strategy, if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the global acceptance of Yoga and Ayurveda as universal wellness   solutions   reflects   the   success   of   India's   civilizational outreach, if so, the details thereof;

- (c) whether the efforts of Government in restoring ancient temples and heritage sites abroad have effectively strengthened the cultural bonds with our historical neighbors, if so, the details thereof;
- (d)   whether   the   promotion   of   Indian   languages   and   philosophy   in foreign universities has created a lasting "Intellectual Influence" for the nation globally, if so, the details thereof;
- (e) whether "Civilizational Diplomacy" serves as a unique and nonthreatening tool for building trust and long-term partnerships across diverse regions, if so, the details thereof; and
- (f)   whether   these   cultural   initiatives   have   successfully   established India as a "Vishwa Guru" that provides moral and spiritual leadership to the global community, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA)

(a)   The   revitalization   and   strengthened   functioning   of   ICCR   has significantly   contributed   to   promoting   India's   rich   cultural   and civilizational heritage worldwide as a key pillar of India's 'soft power'

projection through the activities of ICCR Headquarters, various Indian diplomatic Missions/Posts and ICCR's 38 Indian Cultural Centres (ICCs) abroad.    ICCR has currently deployed 176 India-based Teachers of Indian Culture and Local Resource Persons to teach Yoga, Indian dance and music, languages and other aspects of Indian culture in Indian   Missions/Posts/ICCs   abroad.   ICCR   actively   projects   India's diverse culture in foreign countries by sponsoring Indian artists to perform abroad, and hosts foreign artist to perform in India. ICCR also mounts   exhibitions   showcasing   India's   rich   civilizational   heritage; installs busts and statues of iconic Indian leaders abroad; organizes annual flagship international cultural festivals in India; supports the projection   of   Indian   festivals,   arts,   crafts,   literature,   films   and commemorative events overseas; hosts conferences/lectures/workshops   on   various   aspects   of   Indian civilisation; and anchors cultural shows aligned with India's diplomatic calendar to promote India's foreign policy objectives.

(b) The successful dissemination of Yoga worldwide is an illustration of the impactful outreach of India's 'soft power' and projection of

India's civilisational heritage as a vital contributor to global wellness and universal wellbeing.  Since 2015, ICCR has been coordinating the annual global celebration of the International Day of Yoga (IDY) on June 21 st in all Member States of the United Nations. In 2025, an all time high of over 2000 events were organized overseas by 206 Indian Missions/Posts   abroad   to   mark   the   10 th anniversary   of   IDY. To propagate Yoga and Ayurveda across the world on a daily basis, ICCR has also deployed 80 India-based Yoga teachers and Local Resource Persons in Missions/Posts/ICCs abroad to teach Yoga in Indian Cultural Centres, local institutions, community organisations, Universities etc. ICCR   also   actively   promotes   Ayurveda   and   traditional   wellness practices   like   meditation   globally   through   Missions/Posts/ICCs   and celebrates Dhanwantari Diwas annually. (c) The Ministry of External Affairs and the Archaeological Survey of India  actively   engage   in   restoring   heritage   sites   in   countries   with whom India shares civilizational ties, as part of India's development partnership outreach. Over the years, India has carried out about 60

such heritage restoration projects in 21 countries. At present, India is

assisting in the restoration of ancient temples in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam.   India's support in this regard contributes significantly to further strengthening cultural and bilateral ties with partner countries.

(d)   ICCR   promotes the   study   of   Indian   languages,   philosophy   and various aspects of Indian civilization abroad by setting up Chairs of Indian   Studies   in   foreign   universities,   in   consultation   with   our Missions/Posts.   At   present,   12   such   Chairs   of   Indian   Studies   are operational in foreign universities, out of which 6 Chairs teach Hindi, 3 teach   Buddhist   Studies   and   Sanskrit,   2   teach   Philosophy   and   1 teaches Tamil. The deployment of 7 more Chairs to teach Hindi and an additional Chair in Sanskrit in various foreign Universities, is under process. These Chairs of Indian Studies promote the study of Indian civilisation among foreign youth and foster a deeper appreciation of India's   cultural   heritage   while   also   forging   global   academic, intellectual and cultural links.

(e & f) ICCR builds cultural and civilisational bridges to develop longterm partnerships and enduring people-to-people ties across diverse

regions. To this end, ICCR also grants more than 4,000 scholarships under 21 different schemes to foreign students from 192 countries every year for Under-Graduate, Post-Graduate and Ph.D. level studies in India, including in Yoga and Ayurveda. ICCR Scholarship Alumni are present   today   in   nearly   every   country   and   form   a   significant constituency of goodwill for India.  ICCR also hosts curated visits of foreign academics, intellectuals, influential opinion makers and young political leaders under its various Visitors Programmes and recognizes individuals and entities promoting India and Indian culture abroad. ICCR's varied initiatives project India's rich civilizational heritage and humanitarian   values   as   vital   contributors   to   universal   peace   and wellbeing, helping forge long-term partnerships anchored in trust and a positive image of India as a force for the greater good.

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