About
To serve as a non-official, non-aligned meeting place for cultural and intellectual exchange among India and the world.
The India International Centre (IIC) is India's foremost institution for intellectual and cultural exchange. Founded in 1962 as a deliberately non-official, non-aligned body, its membership spans artists, academics, jurists, parliamentarians, officials, journalists and thinkers. From its Stein-designed Lodhi Estate campus it runs an unrivalled programme of lectures, seminars, conferences, cultural performances, exhibitions and publications, and maintains a distinguished library.
Conceived as a space where ideas could be exchanged free of governmental or political affiliation, the IIC became the intellectual salon of the Republic - the place where India's leading minds and visitors from abroad gather for serious dialogue. Described as 'Triveni' for its three streams of activity, it pairs a rigorous calendar of lectures and conferences with concerts, exhibitions and a notable annual festival.
Its deliberately non-official, non-aligned character has given it unusual moral standing as a forum, and its membership and programmes have, for over six decades, shaped public intellectual life in India.
Visit & Access
Runs lectures, conferences, cultural programmes and exhibitions at its Lodhi Estate campus, many open to members and the public.
Founding & Leadership
The India International Centre was founded in 1962 as a non-official, non-aligned institution - a meeting place for cultural and intellectual exchange - with early support from the Rockefeller Foundation and Dr. S. Radhakrishnan among its founding figures. Its Stein-designed campus beside Lodhi Gardens anchored the area now known as 'Steinabad'.
A non-official, non-aligned membership society governed by a President and Board of Trustees, uncommitted to any governmental, political, economic or religious affiliation.
Leadership & Trustees
Initiatives & Portfolio
A year-round programme of talks, seminars and conferences with India's and the world's leading thinkers.
Concerts, dance, theatre and art exhibitions, including an annual cultural festival.
The IIC Quarterly and other publications, and a distinguished library.
Impact & Metrics
Partnerships & Network
Partner institutions
Funders & patrons
Credentials & Compliance
CSR-eligible · Schedule VII(v) - art & culture
An intellectual and cultural convening partner; a frequent venue and collaborator for CSR-funded cultural, policy and academic programming under Schedule VII(v).
Recognition
India's pre-eminent independent institution for intellectual and cultural exchange.
[Atlas Assessment] The India International Centre is the intellectual conscience and convening hub of independent India. For over six decades it has been the country's most prestigious forum for serious dialogue across politics, scholarship and the arts - non-official by design, and therefore trusted as neutral ground. Its programmes and membership have shaped Indian public intellectual life more than almost any other single institution.
IIC scores highest among the convening institutions on ecosystem influence and longevity - its prestige and neutrality are unmatched. Its 'output' is dialogue and ideas rather than productions or field-building, which a quantitative score understates. For a funder it is the gold-standard venue and intellectual partner for cultural and policy convening; access and association with it carry real weight.