Culture, education and the Indian community in Georgia

This article covers cultural relations between India and Georgia, scholarships and training for Georgian nationals, Indian students in Georgia, tourism and the Indian community. It is based on the MEA bilateral brief of July 2026, and all figures are as of that brief.

Cultural agreement

An Agreement between India and Georgia on Cooperation in the fields of Culture, Education, Science, Sports and Youth was signed in March 2010. The agreement expired in March 2020.

According to the MEA brief of July 2026, a new agreement is under consideration.

Films and cultural events

According to the brief, Bollywood films are very popular in Georgia, and Raj Kapoor is a household name there. The Georgian government has launched an incentive programme offering a 20% cash rebate on qualified expenses incurred for film shooting in Georgia.

Georgia participates regularly in the Annual Surajkund Mela.

The older literary and artistic links between the two countries, including the Indian prince among the heroes of Shota Rustaveli's epic, are described in this guide's article on diplomatic relations.

Scholarships and training

Georgian nationals visit India for various short-term courses under ITEC scholarships. The brief states that 20 ITEC slots are being offered to Georgia annually.

ICCR Scholarships are also offered to Georgian nationals to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Indian universities.

Apart from this, SSIFS organises training courses for Georgian diplomats. So far, 24 Georgian diplomats have undergone training at SSIFS, according to the brief.

Indian students in Georgia

Georgia hosts about 25,000 Indian students who are studying medicine at various universities in the country. This is the only figure for Indian students that the brief gives, and it does not say which universities they attend or give figures for earlier years.

The Indian community

The brief states that there is a sizeable Indian community in Georgia. In recent years, many Indians have brought investment from Gulf countries and started mid-size businesses such as restaurants and hotels.

The NGO for Cultural Diversity for Peaceful Future (NGOCDPF), an Indian cultural association, organises regular Indian festivals and cultural events in Georgia.

Tourism

The brief states that Georgia has also become an important tourist destination for Indians. It reports that around 1,40,000 Indian tourists visited Georgia last year, without naming the calendar year.

Readers planning to study, work or travel in Georgia should confirm current entry requirements with the Embassy of Georgia in New Delhi, as the brief does not cover visa rules.

Questions and answers

How many Indian students study in Georgia?

According to the MEA brief of July 2026, Georgia hosts about 25,000 Indian students studying medicine at various universities.

What scholarships does India offer Georgian nationals?

Georgian nationals attend short-term courses in India under ITEC scholarships, with 20 ITEC slots offered to Georgia annually. ICCR Scholarships are also offered for undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Indian universities.

How many Indian tourists visit Georgia?

The brief reports that around 1,40,000 Indian tourists visited Georgia last year, and states that Georgia has become an important tourist destination for Indians.

Sources

This article reports what the sources state at their date and does not add facts from elsewhere. Figures, office holders and agreements may have changed since. Diplo is independent and not affiliated with any government. Suggest a correction.