Cultural Agreements through International Cultural Relations Division

International Cultural Relations (ICR) Division of the Ministry of Culture aims at disseminating Indian culture in new territories and develop the cultural relations between India and other countries of the world. One of the main mandates of ICR is to enter into bilateral cultural agreements which contribute to strengthening cultural links and deepening friendship between India and other countries. The agreements take into consideration the following cultural domains through which cultural exchange programs are encouraged between the two countries (referred to as Parties):

1. Music and Dance
The Parties exchange music and dance ensembles and/or individual performing artists including classical and folk troupes for a stipulated period. Details of such exchange are mutually agreed upon by the Parties through diplomatic channels.

2. Theatre
Both Parties encourage and facilitate exchange of theatre performances in both countries and participation in local and International theatre festivals on mutually agreed terms. Knowledge exchange is further encouraged through dissemination of educational material such as publications and journals on theatre.

3. Exhibitions, Seminars and Conferences
The Parties exchange contemporary and modern art exhibitions between the two countries on reciprocal basis on mutually agreed terms. Both Parties also invite experts from the other side to participate in International seminars, symposiums, conferences, camps, residencies etc. on culture and arts.

4. Archaeology
Both Parties support cooperation in the field of protection, conservation and promotion of the cultural heritage of both countries through training programs and workshops where exchange of experts from the relevant fields is also encouraged.

5. Archives
The Parties promote exchange of information and documentation through archives as well as digital preservation. Professional training courses are extended by National Archives of India and its likely counterpart in the concerned country.

6. Library
Both Parties exchange publications and encourage exchange of visits of library experts reciprocally with a view to promote library sciences between both the countries.

7. Museums
The National Museums of both countries exchange exhibitions, museum exhibits and museum personnel. Exhibitions are also organized jointly by the respective museums. Exchange of museum professionals/experts including curators, deputy curators, research officers, assistant curators, conservators etc. is also facilitated to share knowledge and expertise in respective fields.

8. Literature
Both parties exchange a writer's delegation on reciprocal basis and promote translation of literary works of famous writers and poets in both countries.

9. Research and Documentation
Both Parties facilitate:
- Study of the cultural heritage, folklore/folk traditions and narrative forms.
- Devising creative activities for cognitive and skill development of students.
- Exploring possibilities of developing educational activities at art academies, museums, cultural centres and educational institutions for children.
- Development of audio-visual and printed educational materials for students and teachers to have better understanding of tangible and intangible art forms of both the countries.
- Documentation of the arts, museum objects and production of cultural resources of both the countries

10. Science Museums/Centres
Both Parties exchange one senior level Science Communication professional to study science centres / museums & non-formal science education programmes in respective countries. The aim is to identify and strengthen collaborative avenues for development of interactive science centres and non-formal science learning centres.

11. Anthropology
Both Parties exchange visits of experts in anthropology of different institutes of both countries.

12. Festivals
The Parties conduct festivals in respective countries which include the exchange of tours of performing arts groups from each side. The details of these tours and other activities included are developed on the basis of reciprocity.

13. Mass Media
Both Parties exchange programs depicting various facets of life and culture in the two countries through their respective radio and TV organizations. They also endeavour to strengthen relations between their national broadcasting organizations by exchange of programs, professionals and by utilizing training expertise and facilities available in respective country. The Parties also invite each other to their International Film Festivals.

14. Youth Programs
The Parties encourage youth exchange programs, participation in youth festivals in either or counties, visits of officials in charge of Youth Affairs, sharing of experiences, skills, techniques, information and knowledge in the areas of cooperation in youth affairs and participation of youth in seminars and conferences organized in both the countries on youth related issues.