Question : Cultural Exhibition in Foreign Countries

(a) whether the Government is running/implementing any scheme to promote international cultural relations, which aims at developing cultural relations between India and various countries of the world through cultural agreements and cultural exchange programmes as well as to spread Indian culture;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has any proposal to organize cultural exhibitions in foreign countries to promote Indian culture world wide;

(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reason therefor; and

(e) the details of steps taken/proposed to be taken in this regard?

MINISTER OF STATE (I/C) FOR CULTURE AND
MINISTER OF STATE FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)

(a) & (b) The Government is implementing a scheme namely “Scheme for Promotion of International Cultural Relations” to promote international cultural relations with other countries by organizing Festival of India abroad and sanctioning funds to Indo Foreign Friendship Cultural Societies through Indian Missions abroad.

Cultural Agreements and Cultural Exchange Programmes are signed with foreign countries to enhance cultural relations. At present Ministry of Culture has signed Cultural Agreements/ Cultural Exchange Programmes with 132 Countries.

(c) to (e) Under the aegis of Festival of India abroad and provisions of Cultural Exchange Programme, Government is showcasing Indian Culture abroad through dance & music performances (classical, regional, folk dance and drama etc), food festival, literary festival, film festival, yoga, folk art as puppetry, mehandi art etc. including cultural exhibitions. It is a continuous process.

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