MAPPING OF CULTURAL EXPORTS FROM INDIA

**Executive Summary** This report details a statement by the Union Minister for Culture and Tourism regarding the promotion and international recognition of India’s cultural exports as of March 19, 2026. While the Ministry has not conducted specific mapping exercises for country-wise exports or untapped potential, it continues to promote heritage through the Global Engagement Scheme. Key areas of focus include yoga, traditional handicrafts, and performing arts to enhance India's global visibility. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Recognized Cultural Exports** * Yoga is highlighted as a primary cultural export, inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2016. * Other significant cultural expressions include Indian classical and folk performing arts (music, dance, theatre), traditional handicrafts, textiles, cinema, literature, cuisine, and traditional knowledge systems like Ayurveda and meditation. * **Status of Mapping and Identification** * The Ministry of Culture has not yet undertaken a specific exercise to map cultural exports to individual countries or vice versa. * There is currently no specific formal identification of cultural exports that have failed to reach their full potential, though certain sectors are noted for their high outreach capacity. * **High-Potential Sectors** * Sectors identified as having considerable potential for wider global outreach include traditional handicrafts, textiles, performing arts, yoga, and traditional knowledge systems. * **Promotion and Global Engagement** * Promotion is facilitated through cultural exchange programs, international festivals, exhibitions, and participation in global cultural events. * The Ministry implements the **Global Engagement Scheme**, which includes the "Festival of India" in foreign countries. * Collaboration with Indian Missions and cultural institutions is central to these promotional efforts. * Grant-in-aid support is provided to Indo-Foreign Friendship Cultural Societies abroad to organize activities that strengthen cultural exchanges. **Impact Analysis** **Ministry of Culture** **Impact** The Ministry serves as the primary facilitator for international cultural promotion but lacks specific data mapping regarding country-to-country cultural trade. **Action Required** Continue the implementation of the Global Engagement Scheme and oversee the distribution of grant-in-aid to foreign cultural societies. **Indian Artists and Cultural Groups** **Impact** These stakeholders receive increased international visibility and opportunities to perform or showcase their work on global platforms. **Action Required** Engage in international cultural events and festivals supported by the Ministry to enhance the global presence of Indian heritage. **Indo-Foreign Friendship Cultural Societies** **Impact** These organizations are positioned as key partners in cultural diplomacy and are eligible for financial support from the Indian government. **Action Required** Organize cultural programs and activities abroad that align with the Ministry's goal of strengthening bilateral cultural exchanges. **Indian Missions and Cultural Institutions** **Impact** They act as the essential link for promoting Indian cultural expressions and traditional knowledge systems in foreign territories. **Action Required** Collaborate with the Ministry of Culture to facilitate festivals, exhibitions, and exchange programs within their respective jurisdictions.

Key Entities Referenced