The India Association was formed on October 30, 1965 by 36 nationals of India who met at the residence of Dr. Atish Maniar to celebrate Diwali. At a general meeting on December 11, 1965, the constitution was accepted and Dr. Maniar was elected as the founding President.

The Folklorama Festival, started in 1970 to commemorate the 100th birthday of Manitoba, was so successful that the Folk Arts Council decided to continue it for coming years. India Association took active part, and today the Folklorama India Pavilion attracts almost 10,000 visitors every year.

India Association was incorporated on October 28, 1976. In 2002, a Board of Custodians was established, and in 2007 the Constitution was amended to meet the needs of a more complex operation. In 2013, the India Association partnered with the University of Winnipeg to form the India Centre for Academic, Business and Community Excellence.