(b) whether the Government proposes to disseminate Indian art and culture in several
countries;
(b) if so, the details thereof, country-wise;
(c) whether the Non-Resident Indians are also being involved in this venture;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) whether teams from India have been sent/are being sent abroad to spread/ popularise
Indian art and culture; and
(f) if so, the details of the teams sent abroad during the last three years and the
amount spent thereon?
MINISTER OF CULTURE (SHRIMATI CHANDRESH KUMARI KATOCH)
(a)&(b): Yes, Madam. The Ministry of Culture has signed 126 cultural agreements with
foreign countries, as per Annexure-A, and enters into Cultural Exchange Programmes with
various countries from time to time for specific periods. Ministry of Culture is also
exploring possibility of having Cultural Agreements and entering into Cultural Exchange
Programmes with remaining countries in consultation with our Missions abroad.
(c) & (d): The Ministry releases grants to Indian Embassies under Indo-Foreign
Friendship Societies Scheme and NRIs may also be involved in the activities of these
societies. It has also been informed by ICCR that NRIs are also being involved during
visit of some of the performing groups.
(e) Yes, Madam.
(f) The details in respect of Implementing Agencies of Ministry of Culture are at
Annexure-B and the details provided by ICCR are at Annexure-C.