THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, DELHI

• DG ICCR, Mrs. Nandini Singla,

• Dean of College, DU, Prof. Balram Pani,

• Distinguished diplomats and Guests,

Good evening,

It is a pleasure to join you, on the occasion of ICCR Day, at our own Delhi University. I thank DG ICCR, my friend Nandini for inviting me, and for bringing, together such a diverse audience of students, academics, and members, of the diplomatic community.

This occasion, not just provides an opportunity, to reflect on the role of institutions like ICCR, in India’s international engagement. But also, to reflect on the broader role, that culture plays in shaping, how nations engage with one another.

The ICCR was established in 1950, in the early years, following India’s independence.  It was a time, when India was shaping its identity, in the world. The idea was simple. To build an understanding through culture. To connect people, across countries. Over the years, ICCR has carried this vision forward, with consistency.

In international relations, person to person connections, often play a quiet, but important role. They do not always, generate immediate or visible outcomes, but they help build confort and trust, over time.

Today, ICCR stands, as one of India’s key instruments, of cultural diplomacy. It has contributed significantly, to how India is perceived, across the world through our

Cultural outreach.

Educational exchange.

And intellectual engagement.

India’s cultural engagement abroad, is not static. It has evolved to reflect, both heritage and modernity. This balance allows India, to project a cultural identity, that is rooted in tradition. 

Through these exchanges, ICCR has created spaces where, India’s diversity and intellectual strength, is experienced and appreciated, by global audiences.

These interactions, contribute to a broader exchange of ideas, which are increasingly important, in a world, where policy challenges, are complex and interconnected.

Taken together, these efforts contribute, to what is often described, as India’s soft power. Soft power is not simply, about influence in a narrow or immediate sense. It is reflected, in how a country is understood, how it is perceived, and how open others are, to engaging with it.

For example, global awareness of India’s cultural practices, such as yoga, has grown significantly over the years. The recognition of International Day of Yoga, by the United Nations, reflects the global connect of this tradition.

Similarly, the global reach of Indian cinema, literature, and diaspora success, has contributed to shaping perceptions about India, in different parts of the world.

These elements do not operate in isolation. They collectively contribute, to an environment, in which India is better understood, and more widely engaged with. It is reflected, in how a country is understood, how it is perceived, and how open others are, to engaging, with it.

From a foreign policy perspective, this has practical implications.

We live in a world, that is increasingly, transactional; where relationships are often driven, by immediate interests. In such a context, cultural and educational diplomacy, provides depth. It creates continuity. It builds relationships, that go beyond, specific issues or short-term alignments.

India today engages with multiple partners, across different regions, and issue areas. This approach is often described as Multi alignment, where India works with different countries, and groupings, based on converging interests in specific contexts.

India’s approach to international engagement, reflects a balance, between these dimensions.  This allows India, to maintain flexibility, in its external relations, while continuing to contribute, to broader global outcomes.

Looking ahead, there are several areas, where ICCR’s role can continue, to evolve and expand.

First, there is scope to further strengthen, academic collaborations between Indian institutions and universities abroad. Such collaborations can support, joint research, faculty exchanges, and knowledge sharing in areas of mutual interest.

Second, there is increasing potential, in leveraging digital platforms, to expand the reach of cultural engagement. Digital media allows, for wider dissemination of cultural content, and can help connect, with younger and more diverse audiences, globally.

Third, engagement with the Global South, remains an important priority. India’s historical and developmental linkages, with many countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, provide a strong basis for continued cooperation, through education and cultural exchange.

Fourth, there is growing relevance, in integrating culture with contemporary sectors, such as creative industries, tourism, and innovation ecosystems. These intersections, can open new avenues, for international collaboration.

For students, present here today, ICCR represents an opportunity, to engage with the world, in a meaningful way. Exposure to different cultures, perspectives, and ideas, contributes not only to academic growth, but also, to a broader understanding, of global dynamics.

For members of the diplomatic community, ICCR continues to serve, as an important complement, to traditional diplomacy. It creates spaces, where engagement is less formal, but often, more enduring.

On this occasion of ICCR Day, I would like to commend the ICCR, for its sustained contribution, over the decades. 

Its work has enriched, India’s engagement with the world. It has strengthened the foundations, of mutual understanding, that are essential, in today’s global environment.

I extend my best wishes, for its continued success.

Thank you.