India’s Soft Power: The Influence of Culture, Science, and Diplomacy (2014-2024)

Introduction – India’s Soft Power

Soft power, a term coined by Joseph Nye, refers to the ability of a nation to shape global perceptions and influence others through attraction rather than coercion. Unlike hard power, which relies on military or economic strength, soft power derives from cultural heritage, political values, and diplomatic initiatives. India, with its vast civilisational history, rich traditions, and growing technological advancements, has positioned itself as a key player in global affairs using soft power strategies.

Between 2014 and 2024, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has actively promoted its cultural assets, scientific achievements, and global partnerships to strengthen its influence. From yoga diplomacy to the rise of Bollywood, from space exploration to digital advancements, India’s outreach has expanded significantly. However, despite notable successes, challenges such as resource constraints, geopolitical rivalries, and internal socio-political issues continue to affect its soft power strategy. This essay explores India’s soft power approach over the last decade, highlighting its strengths, challenges, and the path forward.

Cultural Diplomacy: Projecting India’s Heritage to the World

One of the most powerful tools in India’s soft power strategy has been cultural diplomacy. The government has strategically promoted Indian traditions, arts, and heritage to foster international goodwill. This has included efforts such as:

1. Yoga and Spiritual Diplomacy: India’s spiritual traditions, particularly yoga, have been central to its global cultural outreach. In 2015, India successfully persuaded the United Nations to declare June 21 as International Yoga Day, supported by 177 nations. Since then, the global celebration of yoga has reinforced India’s image as a leader in holistic health and well-being. The widespread participation in Yoga Day by world leaders, celebrities, and fitness enthusiasts has made it an annual event that highlights India’s spiritual heritage.
2. Bollywood and the Entertainment Industry: The Indian film industry, particularly Bollywood, has gained immense popularity worldwide, especially in regions like the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Indian films, rich with emotional storytelling and vibrant music, have created cultural bridges between India and the world. With the rise of digital platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime, Indian cinema has found new international audiences, further enhancing its soft power reach.
3. The Influence of Indian Cuisine: Food has long been a symbol of India’s diversity and cultural richness. Indian restaurants in cities like London, New York, and Sydney have played a crucial role in introducing global audiences to India’s culinary traditions. The government’s active participation in international food festivals has further strengthened India’s cultural diplomacy, making Indian cuisine one of the most recognisable aspects of its soft power.
4. Mythology and Literature as a Diplomatic Tool: India has also leveraged its ancient texts and epics, such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata, to establish cultural ties with Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Cambodia, where elements of Hindu traditions remain embedded in local cultures. Events such as the annual Ramayana Festival, organised by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), have promoted India’s historical connections and cultural exchanges with the ASEAN region.

Scientific and Technological Diplomacy: India’s Innovation as a Soft Power Asset

In addition to its cultural strengths, India has gained significant recognition through its scientific and technological advancements. The past decade has witnessed India’s remarkable progress in space exploration, digital innovation, and vaccine production, all of which have strengthened its global influence.

1. Space Exploration: India’s Rise as a Technological Powerhouse: India’s space programme, led by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has been a key contributor to its soft power success. Missions such as Mangalyaan (2014), India’s first interplanetary mission to Mars, and Chandrayaan-3 (2023), which successfully landed on the Moon, have positioned India as a leader in cost-effective space exploration. These achievements have not only bolstered national pride but also enhanced India’s global reputation as a centre for scientific innovation.
2. Digital Diplomacy: The Rise of India’s IT Sector: The Digital India initiative, launched in 2015, has transformed the country into a technology-driven society. India’s Aadhaar biometric system, the world’s largest digital identification programme, and the success of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in digital transactions have inspired other developing nations to adopt similar models. Indian tech professionals and CEOs leading global corporations like Google and Microsoft have also contributed to India’s growing influence in the tech industry.
3. Vaccine Diplomacy: India’s Role as the Pharmacy of the World: India’s pharmaceutical industry has played a crucial role in its soft power expansion, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Vaccine Maitri (Vaccine Friendship) initiative, through which India supplied vaccines to over 100 countries, showcased India’s commitment to global health security. This humanitarian effort enhanced India’s reputation as a responsible and compassionate global actor.

Diaspora Engagement: The Global Influence of Indian Communities

India’s diaspora, estimated at over 30 million people, is one of the largest in the world and serves as a powerful soft power tool. The Modi government has actively engaged with Indian expatriates, recognising their ability to promote India’s global image. High-profile events, such as Modi’s speech at Madison Square Garden in New York (2014), have strengthened India’s ties with its overseas communities.

The Indian diaspora has also contributed to cultural diplomacy. For instance, in 2024, New York City declared Diwali an official school holiday, a significant achievement made possible through diaspora advocacy. Similar celebrations in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia highlight the influence of Indian communities in shaping cultural policies abroad.

Challenges to India’s Soft Power Expansion

Despite its successes, India faces several obstacles in fully realising its soft power potential:

1. Resource Constraints in Cultural Diplomacy: Compared to China’s well-funded Confucius Institutes, India’s cultural promotion efforts through ICCR remain underfunded. Greater investment is needed in international cultural centres, exchange programmes, and language learning initiatives to maximise India’s outreach.
2. Geopolitical Rivalries and Regional Tensions: India’s strained relations with Pakistan and border disputes with China have sometimes overshadowed its soft power efforts. China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), backed by significant infrastructure investments, challenges India’s cultural and economic influence in South Asia.
3. Internal Challenges: Social and Political Issues: While India promotes itself as a pluralistic democracy, issues such as religious tensions, gender inequality, and press freedom concerns have occasionally weakened its global image. Reports of rising intolerance or restrictions on civil liberties have provided critics with grounds to question India’s democratic values.

The Future of India’s Soft Power Strategy: The Path Forward

To strengthen its soft power, India must take a strategic and well-rounded approach that showcases its rich cultural heritage, technological expertise, and global leadership. While India has made significant strides in diplomacy through culture, science, and its diaspora, refining these efforts will enhance its international influence and credibility as a global leader.

Cultural diplomacy remains a crucial pillar of India’s soft power. Establishing more Indian cultural centres worldwide and increasing funding for arts, literature, and language programmes can promote a deeper understanding of India’s diverse heritage. Moving beyond Bollywood, the government should highlight regional cultures, classical dance forms, and folk traditions to create a more inclusive and authentic representation of Indian identity on the global stage.

India’s leadership in digital and scientific advancements can further bolster its soft power. Sharing expertise in digital governance with developing nations will strengthen diplomatic ties, while expanding space collaborations and joint missions will showcase India’s technological capabilities. Investing in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity partnerships can also position India as a leader in emerging technologies, fostering international trust and cooperation.

The Indian diaspora is a powerful asset in strengthening India’s global influence. Establishing structured networks for diaspora-led cultural diplomacy will enable overseas Indians to represent their heritage more effectively. Encouraging Indian-origin entrepreneurs and scholars to participate in global policymaking can amplify India’s voice on key issues, ensuring its interests are well-represented in international forums.

Sustainable development leadership will further enhance India’s reputation. Expanding initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA) will reinforce India’s commitment to renewable energy, while advocating for clean energy policies on global platforms will establish India as a responsible environmental leader. By prioritising sustainability and green initiatives, India can shape international climate policies and foster global goodwill.

Conclusion

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The Source’s Authority and Ownership of the Article is Claimed By THE STUDY IAS BY MANIKANT SINGH