Promotion of Indian Culture Abroad: Global Engagement Scheme
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Economy
Why in news
The Ministry of Culture has revised and extended the Global Engagement Scheme (GES) for FY 2026-27 to 2030-31 with an outlay of Rs 299.94 crore. This was informed by the Union Minister of Culture in a Rajya Sabha reply on July 23, 2026.
Background
The Ministry of Culture promotes Indian art and culture abroad through cultural agreements, exchange programmes, and bilateral cultural cooperation. It also coordinates India's participation in multilateral cultural platforms like G20, BRICS, SCO, and SAARC to enhance cultural ties and soft power.
Key facts
The Global Engagement Scheme (GES) has been revised and continued for FY 2026-27 to 2030-31 with an outlay of Rs 299.94 crore.
Under GES, 'Bharat Mahotsav' are organized abroad to showcase India's diverse cultural traditions.
GES provides grant assistance to India-foreign friendship cultural societies through Indian missions abroad.
GES has four sub-components: International Cultural Exchange Programme, Project Mausam, Greater India, and Protection of India's Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) and diverse cultural traditions.
The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), under the Ministry of External Affairs, promotes Indian culture globally through cultural centres and activities including yoga, classical and folk dance, music, and Indian languages.
Budgetary provisions and actual expenditure under GES for the last five financial years: 2021-22 (Rs 10.50 cr budget, Rs 9.86 cr actual), 2022-23 (Rs 16.25 cr, Rs 12.96 cr), 2023-24 (Rs 25.72 cr, Rs 24.92 cr), 2024-25 (Rs 10.50 cr, Rs 9.08 cr), 2025-26 (Rs 4.65 cr, Rs 2.60 cr).
Prelims pointers
- Global Engagement Scheme (GES) – Ministry of Culture
- Bharat Mahotsav – cultural festivals abroad under GES
- Project Mausam – sub-component of GES
- Greater India – sub-component of GES
- Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) protection – sub-component of GES
- Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) – under Ministry of External Affairs
- G20, BRICS, SCO, SAARC – multilateral cultural platforms
- Rs 299.94 crore outlay for GES (2026-27 to 2030-31)
Mains angles
- Discuss the role of cultural diplomacy in enhancing India's soft power.
- Critically examine the effectiveness of schemes like GES in promoting Indian culture abroad.
- Analyze the coordination between Ministry of Culture and Ministry of External Affairs in cultural outreach.