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 non-threatening 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 21st 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 10th 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 long-term 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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