Power need not always be coercive, and India is a shining example of that. Mutual admiration and collaboration are the ultimate ingredients for global peace, harmony, and prosperity.
India has been the champion of soft power strategy and diplomacy since the days of NAM. What is it? It’s a nation’s remarkable ability to advance national interest through collaboration, mutual respect, and restrain use of the muscle power.
Consider it as authority and global validity gained through the appeal of:
- Vibrant history, culture, and legacy
- Cherished political ideologies
- Neutral and responsible foreign policies through turbulent times
Explore BA hons meaning with professional courses at Chanakya University Bangalore, which are rooted in Indian culture and legacy.
Today, we’re exploring India’s soft power, cultural diplomacy, and the historical context behind it. How does this ancient civilisation with a modern outlook use its cultural diplomacy to resonate globally? What impact does this have?
Let’s begin by exploring the definition of soft power.
India: A Champion of Soft Power
Soft power is a nation’s capacity (India) to influence others through inspiration and attraction rather than force or pressure. Unlike hard power, which relies on military or economic might, soft power operates by shaping global perceptions and preferences through cultural resonance, shared values, and diplomatic engagement. It is a persuasive approach that fosters cooperation and alignment by appealing to hearts and minds rather than imposing will.
Cultural Diplomacy and Global Impact: The India Chapter
Meera Venkatachalam and Kenneth King’s book “India’s Development Diplomacy and Soft Power in Africa” beautifully summarises the essence of India’s cultural diplomacy.
In their book, they explained ‘sarva-bhauma‘ as ‘whole world‘ in reference to a ‘policy of expansion.’ However, this ‘expansion’ should be understood along with the principles of vashudhaiva kutumbkam (the world as one family), sanskriti evam sabhyata (interconnectedness of cultures and civilisations), and sarva-bhauma (universalism and sovereignty), not restricted to geographical conquest.
Wondering what a BA in political science and international relations teaches about diplomacy?
The BA in Political Science and International Relations at Chankaya University Bangalore is your ultimate destination for exceptional learning outcomes. Let’s explore Indian cultural diplomacy with historical roots and its impact on India’s soft power strategy.
Cultural Diplomacy of India for the World, Rooted in The Culturally Interconnected Past
- Korean legends connect South Korea and Ayodhya through Queen Heo Hwang-ok (Princess Suriratna). Today, over 60 lakh South Korean descendants (Karak clan) view Ayodhya as their maternal home, eagerly watched the Ram Temple consecration online, and are now excited to visit.
- Queen Heo Memorial Park in Ayodhya, established on the Sarayu river in 2001 through a partnership between Uttar Pradesh and South Korea’s Gimhae city, receives many South Korean visitors each year paying tribute to Queen Heo Hwang-ok.
- The Chola dynasty of the southern part of India, under Rajaraja 1 and Rajendra Chola 1, extensively influenced Southeast Asia, including naval expeditions, cultural exchanges, and trade. They have a strong presence in several Southeast Asian territories, including modern-day Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, as well as territories in Sri Lanka, Maldives, and nearby areas.
- The Cholas significantly impacted Southeast Asian language, literature, and art. Their language, Sanskrit, became a regional lingua franca for administration and religion, leading kingdoms like Srivijaya to adopt Sanskrit inscriptions as Indian-style literature and art flourished.
- India’s “Look East Policy” focuses on strengthening ties with Southeast Asian countries. The Indian Entertainment Industry (Bollywood, otts, Regional Movies), festivals, educational exchange programs, yoga, religious and cultural tourism, classical dance, and art forms play a crucial role in materialising India’s diplomatic efforts in these historically connected territories.
- India has been an educational hub for African students. India fosters cultural diplomacy with the African and MENA regions through medical tourism, academic programs, arts and crafts, the Indian entertainment industry, yoga, cuisine, and more.
- Around 25,000 African students studied in public and private institutions in India during AY 2024-25. Africa accounts for 21.2% of all medical tourism in India. Around 3 million Indians, including PIOs and NRIs, live in Africa. Around 60,000 African migrants stay in India.
- Recently, India has been nurturing and expanding cultural ties and diplomatic successes through temple and religious diplomacy. It has become a cornerstone of our soft power strategy. PM Modi inaugurated the largest Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi on 14 February 2024.
- Texas, Massachusetts, New York, and New Jersey in the USA have emerged as hotspots for multiple Hindu temples. Angkor Wat in Cambodia, BAPS Sri Swaminarayan Mandir, and Besakih Temple in Bali are prominent Hindu temples outside India.
Pillars of India’s Rising Cultural Diplomacy, Fuelling Our Soft Power Strategy
- Around 35.42 million Indians, both PIOs and NRIs, live abroad. The Indian diaspora contributes significantly to furthering Indian cultural diplomatic efforts. They work as cultural ambassadors, lobby for national interests, and contribute economically.
- PM Modi initiated a proposal for International Yoga Day in 2014 at the UN General Assembly, which was supported and passed unanimously by 177 countries. This has made yoga an excellent diplomatic step in promoting India’s soft power strategy on the global platform.
- Bollywood and Indian Regional Cinema
- Indian cuisine, spices, and more
- Literature and arts as soft power tools
- Educational programs and academic exchanges
- Digital media and cultural outreach programs
Conclusion
India joined the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) with Sukarno of Indonesia, Josip Broz Tito of Yugoslavia, Gamal Abdul Nasser of Egypt and Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana in 1961. It was the beginning of India’s soft power or neutral power strategy, with cultural diplomacy as the core element.
Learn all about India’s cultural diplomacy, political ideologies, international relations and more with BA hons political science at Chanakya University Bangalore and prepare for a flourishing career in public services, analysis, political strategist, and more.
As a student exploring BA international relations or political science at chanakya university Bangalore, you will be engaged with a legacy that is not just historically profound but globally relevant—an India that influences through cooperation, collaboration, and inspiration.
Reference List
- Https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/do-you-know-south-korean-has-a-royal-connection-with-ayodhya/articleshow/107262089.cms?From=mdr
- Https://iosrjournals.org/iosr-jhss/papers/Vol.25-Issue12/Series-1/J2512017276.pdf
- Https://ijrpr.com/uploads/V6ISSUE3/IJRPR39848.pdf
- https://ciiblog.in/indias-soft-power-in-southeast-asia-yoga-cultural-exchange-and-beyond
- Https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/00020397241280988