Cultural Diplomacy refers to use of culture as a strategic instrument to deepen mutual understanding, people-to-people ties and international partnerships.
- It includes exchange of ideas, values, traditions and other cultural or identity aspects to promote national interests.
Significance/Need of Cultural Diplomacy
- Soft Power: Enhances India’s global influence through Bollywood, yoga, cricket, cuisine and Indian arts.
- E.g., UN's declaration of International Day of Yoga.
- Diaspora Engagement: Strengthens ties with the Indian diaspora and uses them as cultural bridges. E.g., India Day declared in Massachusetts, USA (2026).
- Strengthening Relations: Creates sustained cultural engagement that complements bilateral and multilateral diplomacy. E.g., India–ASEAN cultural exchanges (2026).
- Tourism & Economic Linkages: Promotes India’s heritage, cuisine, arts and traditions, supporting tourism and wider economic engagement. E.g., Buddhist Diplomacy with countries like Japan, Sri Lanka, etc.
Initiatives taken to promote Cultural Diplomacy
- Global Engagement Scheme (GES): Umbrella framework for bilateral and multilateral cultural cooperation. It includes-
- International Cultural Exchange Programme (ICEP): Festivals of India, artist exchanges and Cultural Exchange Programmes.
- Project Mausam: Indian Ocean maritime cultural linkages.
- Brihattar Bharat: Historical and civilisational cultural links.
- Scheme for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH): Preservation of intangible cultural heritage.
- Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR): Promotes Indian culture abroad through cultural centres, exchanges and exhibitions.
- Monument Restoration: Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and Ministry of External Affairs collaborate to restore heritage sites abroad. E.g., Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm, Cambodia
- Other: Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), Know India Programme (KIP) (Connects diaspora youth with India’s culture and heritage.
