Context:
In the present global geopolitical context, there is a notable transformation in the conventional measures of national power. Policymakers and diplomats are increasingly acknowledging the significance of soft power aspects in influencing international relations, redirecting their attention from pure military strength to factors such as cultural impact and moral authority. India, specifically, has effectively utilized its cultural strengths to assert its position on the world stage.
Relevance:
GS-2-
- Groupings & Agreements Involving India and/or Affecting India’s Interests
- Effect of Policies & Politics of Countries on India’s Interests
Mains Question:
What is Soft power and how does it differ from Hard Power? Has India been successful in leveraging soft power elements to deepen diplomatic ties and foster regional stability? (15 Marks, 250 Words).
About Soft Power:
Soft power refers to a nation’s capacity to attain foreign policy goals by captivating others culturally, as opposed to relying on force, coercion, or extensive financial investments.
According to Joseph Nye, a country’s soft power is rooted in three key resources:
- Culture: This pertains to the attractiveness of a country’s cultural elements to others. Examples include religions like Hinduism and Buddhism.
- Political Values: Soft power is enhanced when a country lives up to its political values both domestically and internationally. This encompasses adherence to democratic or communist principles.
- Foreign Policies: Soft power is bolstered when a country’s foreign policies are perceived as legitimate and possessing moral authority by others. Examples include policies like the Neighbourhood First Policy and the Panchsheel Policy of Peaceful Coexistence.
Global Soft Power Index:
- In the Global Soft Power Index, India has advanced one position, moving from 29th place in 2022 to 28th in 2023.
- This index is published by Brand Finance, a leading independent brand valuation and strategy consultancy globally.
- Recognized as the most comprehensive research study on perceptions of nation brands, it involves surveys from over 100,000 participants across 121 countries.
Exploring Some Pillars of Soft Power Diplomacy:
Religion:
- Religion holds a pivotal role in shaping political landscapes. A recent illustration of India’s strategic cultural diplomacy was evident in the opening of the first Hindu temple in the UAE. This event marked a significant advancement in the bilateral relations between the two nations.
- With the inauguration of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan (BAPS) Mandir, India aims to strengthen ties with the UAE while actively engaging in the broader region.
- This diplomatic approach, rooted in faith, culture, and religion, seeks to promote collaboration in various critical areas, including security, energy, maritime affairs, and infrastructure.
Cultural Diplomacy:
- India’s cultural diplomacy extends beyond Hinduism, as exemplified by the Buddhist Circuit, which seeks to rejuvenate Buddhist heritage sites and promote tourism in the region.
- Introduced as part of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, this pilgrimage circuit encompasses four key sacred sites in accordance with Buddhist traditions: Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar, and Lumbini. As one of India’s initial transnational tourist circuits, it originates from Lumbini in Nepal, the birthplace of Buddha.
- This initiative is a manifestation of Buddhist Diplomacy, which involves enhancing a nation’s soft power through the exchange of Buddhist ideas, sacred artifacts, and trade relationships.
- By evoking cultural ties with the region and the Buddhist religion, India aims to mitigate territorial tensions with its neighbor, fostering a positive people-to-people connection across the border.
- The government strategically utilizes Buddhist heritage as cultural assets to fortify relations with Asian nations.
- At the Global Buddhist Summit in April 2023, the Prime Minister of India asserted that the challenges faced by the modern world can be addressed by embracing the teachings of Buddha.
- Through his Act East Policy, India has elevated its strategic rapport with key countries in the Asia-Pacific, employing Buddhism as a cultural bridge connecting India with Southeast Asian nations.
- Delving into its historical connections with Buddhism, India is not only safeguarding its cultural heritage but also enhancing its soft power and drawing visitors from across the globe.
- These initiatives enable India to reinforce its reputation as a torchbearer of ancient civilizations and traditions, simultaneously contributing to economic development through tourism.
- India aims to cultivate closer ties with Asian nations, positioning itself as a model of religious tolerance, pluralism, and a responsible global actor.
Humanitarian Assistance:
- On the subject of being a responsible global participant, consider our dedication to humanitarian assistance. A recent example is the swift response of the Indian Navy, deploying the missile destroyer INS Vishakhapatnam in the Gulf of Aden to counter the Houthi strike on a merchant ship.
- This incident underscores India’s role as a responsible maritime player. Indian diplomacy extends beyond cultural endeavors, encompassing strategic engagements and humanitarian endeavors.
- By offering timely humanitarian aid, India reaffirms its commitment to maintaining peace and stability during international crises.
Other Areas:
- This isn’t the sole indication of India’s evolving diplomatic approach in the Gulf. A noteworthy achievement for Indian diplomacy occurred when Qatar released eight Indian nationals who had been detained since 2022.
- The release followed extensive diplomatic efforts by the Indian government, underscoring the efficacy of India’s diplomatic channels in securing the freedom of its citizens abroad.
- Through careful negotiation and strategic dialogue, our government has once again demonstrated its commitment to safeguarding the interests of every Indian, regardless of their location worldwide.
- The Prime Minister of India reiterated India’s longstanding and close ties with Qatar ahead of his visit to Doha. The robust bonds of diplomatic engagement have played a crucial role in fostering mutually advantageous partnerships and promoting regional stability.
- The government’s diplomatic initiatives are not merely events aimed at strengthening connections with Gulf leaders but are also strategic plans to propel India’s economic growth.
- Through sustained economic cooperation with the Middle East, India can harness the Gulf’s capital potential while contributing to defense collaboration.
Way Forward- Report of the Committee on External Affairs:
The Committee on External Affairs has recently submitted its 16th Report, outlining recommendations on the potential and constraints of India’s Soft Power and Cultural Diplomacy.
The key recommendations are as follows:
Overseas Centres: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is advised to facilitate the establishment of more AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homeopathy) centers abroad in a strategic and organized manner.
Yoga Certification Board: In alignment with the government’s efforts to promote yoga, the panel proposes the creation of a ‘Yoga Certification Board’ by the ministries of AYUSH and external affairs. This board would be responsible for certifying Indian yogic practices and therapies.
Diaspora Collaboration: Recognizing the Indian diaspora as a significant asset in India’s soft power diplomacy, the committee encourages collaboration with the diaspora to disseminate India’s soft power in regions where it is less known.
Medicine Recognition: Efforts should be concentrated on gaining recognition for Ayurveda as a medical system and adopting India’s pharmacopeia, enabling the export of Ayurvedic products as medicines. Currently, Ayurvedic products are often exported as dietary supplements due to the lack of recognition in many foreign countries.
Pricing System: The committee suggests revisiting the policy of differential pricing for tickets to monuments for foreigners and Indians, deeming such a policy unnecessary in a globalized world. This pricing disparity can result in a loss of a substantial segment of foreign travelers.
Coordination Committee: Recommends the establishment of a coordination committee comprising representatives from the MEA and other ministries to address the lack of coordination among various institutions involved in projecting India’s soft power and cultural diplomacy.
Policy Document: The MEA is urged to formulate a policy document on “India’s soft power projections,” outlining India’s soft power toolbox, its overseas projection, and a vision statement for the future.
Conclusion:
In the realm of diplomacy, each gesture and interaction holds the potential to shape bilateral relations and build alliances. India’s assertive approach in utilizing cultural and public diplomacy reflects its expanding influence and active participation on the global stage. Through proactive engagement and strategic alliances, India continues to consolidate its position as a significant player in international affairs, contributing to regional stability and global cooperation.
