---
title: "Indian Council for Cultural Relations — Definition & Meaning"
description: "The Indian Council for Cultural Relations is India's key body for cultural diplomacy, established in 1950 to enhance international cultural ties."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/indian-council-for-cultural-relations"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The Indian Council for Cultural Relations is an autonomous body under India's Ministry of External Affairs, founded in 1950, that conducts the country's cultural diplomacy abroad.
- Under which ministry does the ICCR function, and why is this significant?
- Who founded the ICCR and in what year?
- What major award does the ICCR confer?
- How is the ICCR relevant to India's soft power strategy?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

The Indian Council for Cultural Relations is an autonomous body under India's Ministry of External Affairs, founded in 1950, that conducts the country's cultural diplomacy abroad.

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## Timeline

1. 9 April 1950

   It was founded on by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, independent India's first Minister of Education, who served as its founding president.

2. 11 December 2014

   In contemporary practice the ICCR is closely identified with India's promotion of yoga following the UN's designation of 21 June as the International Day of…

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In 2014, the ICCR coordinated India's worldwide celebration of the first International Day of Yoga through its overseas cultural centres after the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 69/131 proposing 21 June, on a proposal made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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