“Each idea had to be soaked in a deluge of blood. Each word of power had to be followed by the groans of millions, by the wails of orphans, by the tears of widows. This, many other nations have taught; but India for thousands of years peacefully existed”
- Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda’s portrayal of power is stark and unsettling, yet it remains an undeniable reality of our world. Since time immemorial, the greed for gold and influence, drove invaders with mighty armies to conquer kingdoms across oceans, leaving cities and its people in ruins – this was their display of power. But what defines true power in the 21st century? Is it a vast population, huge nuclear arsenal and military dominance or economic strength?
As the proverb says, “Tribe follows tribe, and nation follows nation, like the waves of waves of the sea. It is the order of nature, and regret is useless”. History bears witness that power is transient, perpetually shifting from one place to another, overthrowing those who hold it. Unlike other nations, India’s influence and power has never depended on military might or economic strength. Instead, India’s essence lies in its cultural vibrancy and its spirit of hospitality. For centuries, people from around the world have been drawn to Indian arts, culture and spiritualism. As the world’s oldest standing cultural civilization, India has always exemplified itself as a soft power long before the term was even coined by contemporary political scientists.
Soft power, a concept popularized by political scientist Joseph Nye, refers to a nation’s ability to influence others through appeal and attraction rather than coercion and force. In recent years, India is signalling towards a diplomatic renaissance, crafting a narrative that surpasses mere economic growth and military strength. They are not merely weaving a tapestry of cultural diplomacy, technological feats and innovation, and strategic alliances; they are also imparting India’s cultural pluralistic ideals to the world – ideals that our contemporary world desperately needs.
Cultural Diplomacy: A Seamless Symphony between Ancient Wisdom and Culture with Modernity
India’s soil has nurtured remarkable diplomats throughout its history. In the north, Chanakya, revered as the father of Indian political thought, penned the “Artha shastra,” a seminal work on governance, economics and military strategy. Meanwhile, in the southern reaches of the Indian peninsula, Raja Raja Chola I forged extensive trade and diplomatic ties with Southeast Asian regions. From this holy land, ideas have continuously blossomed and reached to far lands, but each idea has been spoken with a blessing behind it and peace before it. The ancient principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” which means the world is one family, is an early predecessor to the idea of global citizenship and our collective responsibility towards each other which has served as the foundation for UNESCO’s ongoing dialogue among cultures, religions and civilizations.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) describes our soft power as the capacity to sway others through appeal and attraction, using non-coercive methods. Strategically, India’s soft power rests on five foundational pillars:
1. Samman (dignity)
2. Samvaad (dialogue)
3. Samriddhi (shared prosperity)
4. Suraksha (regional and global security)
5. Sanskriti evam Sabhayata (cultural and civilizational link)
These elements are seamlessly woven into the fabric of India’s political and economic ambitions in the recent years. The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) was established by MEA to revive and strengthen India’s cultural relations with the rest of the world. The timely reorientation of foreign policy has proven essential for the success of various diplomatic endeavours, impacting not only in the immediate neighbourhood but also strengthening ties with strategic partners across the globe.
The Global Footprint of Indian Culture: India’s Influence worldwide
India is blessed with the presence of all the major world religions. Four of these, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism originated on Indian Soil. The other four- Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam- have found a welcoming home here. This rich blend of faiths draws spiritually inclined visitors from all over the globe. The widespread international media coverage of various religious festivals and celebrations, highlights the world’s admiration for India’s steadfast commitment to its age-old beliefs and traditions.
India’s religious tourism serves as a potent instrument for extending its soft power beyond its borders. A key initiative in this regard is the revival of the ancient Buddhist tourism circuit, which connects India with Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and other neighbouring regions that bear the imprints of Buddha’s journey. Similarly, in May 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepalese counterpart, KP Sharma Oli, launched a direct bus service between Janakpur in Nepal and Ayodhya in India, symbolizing a new chapter in cultural connectivity. The “Ramayana Circuit” is another ambitious project under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, identifying 15 key destinations across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu for development and promotion of ancient cultural history.
Adding to the spiritual and cultural landscape, Yoga and Meditation have transcended borders to become a global phenomenon. Their health benefits are being extensively researched and endorsed by renowned physicians and medical experts. In a landmark recognition, the UN General Assembly declared June 21st as the International Day of Yoga in 2014, and it has been celebrated worldwide on that date since 2015, underscoring the universal appeal and significance of these ancient practices. Equally significant are India's music, dance, art, and architecture, which have captivated both scholars and ordinary people from around the world.
In the 1980s, renowned theatre artist Peter Brook brought the epic Mahabharata to life with a diverse international cast. Similarly, the Japanese animator Yugo Sako was inspired by the Ramayana and created the anime film "Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama" in 1992. Even in a predominantly Muslim country like Indonesia, the Ramayana is deeply woven into the cultural fabric, with the country hosting the most Ram Leela’s performances worldwide. The kings of Thailand’s Chakri dynasty, often referred to as King Rama, draw their titles from the Hindu god Rama, an avatar of Vishnu. The first ruler of Ayutthaya, King Ramathibodi, named the city, showcasing the profound influence of the Ramayana on the region's culture. The shared cultural heritage of India and Bangladesh shines through their joint celebrations of the 161st birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore and the 123rd birth anniversary of Kazi Nazrul Islam, two towering Bengali poets whose poetry and music have left indelible marks on both national and international stages. This cultural bond is epitomized by the fact that Gurudev Tagore wrote the national anthems for both countries—"Jana Gana Mana" for India and "Amar Shonar Bangla" for Bangladesh.
The Indian diaspora, comprising NRIs and PIOs, plays a pivotal role in projecting India's soft power. Together, they number around twenty million and are scattered across all continents, gaining prosperity, fame, and influence over the past two decades. These individuals not only disseminate Indian culture but also occasionally advance India's foreign policy objectives. A prime example is their involvement in the Indo-US Nuclear Deal negotiations in the early 2000s, where influential Indians in the USA effectively lobbied Congressmen and Senators to align with India's perspective. As more members of the Indian diaspora achieve success in various fields globally, they become an invaluable asset to the nation. Bollywood and regional cinema have emerged as powerful tools of soft power for India. Their appeal extends beyond the echo chamber of NRIs, PIOs, and India enthusiasts, earning international acclaim at prestigious platforms like the Oscars and various film festivals. Indian cuisine is another significant attraction for foreigners, renowned for its variety and sophistication. It is said that no major city in the world is without at least two or three thriving Indian restaurants. So popular is Indian food that it’s often joked that the national dish of the UK today is Chicken Tikka Masala.
Educational and Technological Outreach of India
India’s focus on education and technology has significantly enhanced its soft power. Scholarships for international students, educational exchange programs, and collaborations with foreign universities have created avenues for knowledge exchange and cultural immersion. The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program exemplifies this by offering technical assistance and training to developing countries, thereby fostering goodwill and cooperation. Initiatives like the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aim to overhaul the education system by emphasizing critical thinking, creativity, and holistic development, thereby aligning it with international standards.
India's outreach extends globally through initiatives like the Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN), inviting international faculty to enhance the quality of higher education. This concerted effort to integrate technology with education has not only democratized learning but also positioned India as a key player in the global educational and technological landscape. Technologically, India has made substantial progress in integrating digital solutions into education. Programs like Digital India and SWAYAM (Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds) have expanded access to quality education through online courses, bridging gaps in rural and urban education. The rise of EdTech startups has also revolutionized learning, offering personalized and interactive educational experience.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has gained global recognition for its cost-effective space missions, including the successful Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), positioning India as a key player in space exploration. The rise of digital platforms has further amplified India’s soft power. This was vividly illustrated when the leaders of France, Germany, and the Netherlands were astonished by India’s digital payment system, UPI, lauding its success in making digital transactions accessible to the general population. Social media campaigns, digital diplomacy, and the use of technology in public diplomacy have enabled India to engage with global audiences more effectively. The Digital India initiative, which aims to transform the country into a digitally empowered society, underscores India’s innovative spirit and technological capabilities.
Strategic Alliance and Global Leadership of India in Recent Years
In recent years, India has emerged as a pivotal player on the global stage, forging strategic alliances and making significant contributions in various international forums. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dynamic foreign policy has been key in rebranding India globally. His visits to countries across continents, from the United States to Africa, have revitalized bilateral relations and opened new avenues for economic and cultural exchange. Additionally, he has hosted foreign dignitaries at sites showcasing India’s rich culture and history, subtly promoting tourism. Notable examples include the 2019 visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Mamallapuram in Tamil Nadu and India's recent G20 presidency, where foreign diplomats visited various lesser-known states and cities, showcasing Indian culture and tourism at their best.
India's presidency of the G20, a premier forum for international economic cooperation, marks a significant milestone in its journey towards global leadership. The G20, comprising the world's major economies, addresses critical issues impacting the global economy, including financial stability, climate change, and sustainable development. India's presidency comes at a time of profound global challenges, and its leadership is expected to bring fresh perspectives and solutions. Guided by the principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (the world is one family), India's G20 presidency is focused on global solidarity and inclusive growth. The key objectives include:
· Inclusive and Sustainable Development
· Climate Action and Environmental Sustainability
· Digital Transformation
· Global Health
· Post-Pandemic Economic Recovery and Resilience
Through its leadership, India has brought fresh perspectives and solutions to some of the most pressing global challenges.
India's strategic alliances and active participation in global organizations have significantly boosted its diplomatic influence. Involvement in multilateral forums like Quad, BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), and the United Nations highlights India's commitment to collaborative global governance. Moreover, leadership in initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance (ISA) showcases India's dedication to tackling global challenges like climate change, while promoting peace, security, economic cooperation, and sustainable development. India's neutral stance in conflicts, such as Israel-Palestine and Russia-Ukraine, underlines its commitment to non-alignment and diplomacy. This balanced approach enables India to maintain amicable relations with all parties, upholding principles of non-interference and peaceful coexistence. By demonstrating an independent perspective, India refrains from fuelling tensions and instead focuses on regional stability, thus contributing to global security and economic stability in a world often marked by extremes.
Conclusion
Soft power is far more than mere image polishing; it’s about genuine substance. Superficial image enhancement without real progress can backfire. India’s strategic use of cultural diplomacy, educational outreach, technological innovation, and strategic alliances has not only amplified its global influence but also established it as a beacon of democracy, diversity, and development. As India navigates the complexities of global politics, its soft power remains a vital asset in fostering a future of peace, prosperity, and mutual respect on the international stage.
India's diplomatic renaissance highlights the transformative power of soft power in achieving global influence. In the interconnected world of the 21st century, winning hearts and minds is as crucial as winning battles. Can this blend of tradition, innovation, and diplomacy pave the way to a more harmonious global order? Only time will tell, but the signs are promising.