Culture, education and the Indian community in Uruguay

This article describes the people-to-people links between India and Uruguay: yoga and Indian spiritual groups, Ayurveda, training and exchange programmes for Uruguayan officials, leaders and journalists, and the Indian community in Uruguay. It is based on the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) brief dated 20 July 2026.

Yoga and spiritual groups

According to the MEA brief of July 2026, yoga and meditation are popular in Uruguay. The brief records several hundred followers of Sai Baba, ISKCON, Art of Living, Brahma Kumaris and other Indian yoga and spiritual groups.

The 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) was celebrated in Uruguay on 20-21 June 2026. It was organised in association with the Indian Cultural Association of Uruguay (ICAU) and AgNIY (Association of Yoga Institutes in Uruguay). More than 20 yoga schools and more than 1000 yoga enthusiasts took part.

Ayurveda

The 10th Ayurveda Day was celebrated in Uruguay on 02 November 2025, which the brief notes was Dhanvantari Jayanti. It was held in collaboration with the Asociacion Uruguaya de Medicina Ayurvedica (AUMA), a non-profit organisation formed to promote knowledge of Ayurveda in Uruguay.

Scholarships and training

India offers 5 ITEC scholarships to Uruguay every year under its technical and development cooperation.

Seven diplomats from Uruguay have attended various editions of the Professional Course for Foreign Diplomats at the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service in New Delhi.

Readers interested in study in India should check current schemes through official Indian government channels.

Exchange programmes

Four young political leaders from Uruguay took part in the third edition of the ICCR's Gen-Next Democracy Program in July 2022. In 2023, four journalists from mainstream Uruguayan media visited India under the familiarisation programme of the MEA's XP Division. The brief lists both exchanges among the bilateral interactions between the two countries.

The Indian community

There are approximately 950 Indians living in Uruguay, of whom roughly 900 are NRIs. Most of them are employees of TCS and their families, and they live in Montevideo.

Organisations working with India

The brief names three organisations in Uruguay that have worked with India on cultural events: the Indian Cultural Association of Uruguay (ICAU) and AgNIY (Association of Yoga Institutes in Uruguay), partners for the International Day of Yoga, and the Asociacion Uruguaya de Medicina Ayurvedica (AUMA), partner for Ayurveda Day. Readers can ask the Embassy of India in Montevideo about current cultural programmes.

Tourism

Readers should check with the mission for current information on cultural events.

Since the brief of July 2026

Later developments in India and Uruguay relations, from MEA publications, newest first. The article above reports the brief at its date.

Questions and answers

How many Indians live in Uruguay?

According to the MEA brief of July 2026, approximately 950 Indians live in Uruguay, of whom roughly 900 are NRIs. Most are TCS employees and their families living in Montevideo.

How many ITEC scholarships does India offer Uruguay?

India offers 5 ITEC scholarships to Uruguay every year. Seven Uruguayan diplomats have also attended the Professional Course for Foreign Diplomats at the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service.

Is yoga popular in Uruguay?

The brief says yoga and meditation are popular in Uruguay. The 12th International Day of Yoga on 20-21 June 2026 drew more than 20 yoga schools and more than 1000 yoga enthusiasts.

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.