The Indian Council for Cultural Relations – India

The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR): Promoting Cultural Diplomacy

The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) was established in 1950 by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, independent India’s first Education Minister. The ICCR is dedicated to fostering and strengthening cultural relations and mutual understanding between India and other countries. Its primary objectives include actively participating in the formulation and implementation of policies and programs related to India’s external cultural relations, promoting cultural exchanges, and developing international relations.

Objectives and Mission

The core mission of ICCR revolves around enhancing India’s cultural presence globally. The council works tirelessly to:

• Actively participate in the formulation and implementation of policies and programs pertaining to India’s external cultural relations.
• Foster and strengthen cultural relations and mutual understanding between India and other countries.
• Promote cultural exchanges with other countries and people.
• Develop relations with nations worldwide.

Headquarters and Regional Offices

ICCR’s headquarters are located at Azad Bhavan, I.P. Estate, New Delhi. The council has a wide network of regional offices situated in Bangalore, Chandigarh, Chennai, Cuttack, Goa, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Patna, Pune, Shillong, Thiruvananthapuram, and Varanasi. These regional offices play a crucial role in implementing ICCR's cultural programs and initiatives across India.

International Presence

ICCR extends its reach globally through its international missions and cultural centers. The council operates established cultural centers in:

• Georgetown
• Paramaribo
• Port Louis
• Jakarta
• Moscow
• Valladolid
• Berlin
• Cairo
• London (Nehru Centre, London)
• Tashkent
• Almaty
• Johannesburg
• Durban
• Port of Spain
• Colombo

New Cultural Centers

In addition to these established centers, ICCR has recently opened new cultural centers in:

• Dhaka
• Thimphu
• Sao Paulo
• Kathmandu
• Bangkok
• Kuala Lumpur
• Tokyo

Through its extensive network of regional and international offices, ICCR continues to promote India's rich cultural heritage and foster mutual understanding across the globe. By engaging in cultural diplomacy, ICCR plays a pivotal role in building bridges between India and other nations, ensuring that cultural exchanges contribute to a more interconnected and harmonious world.