Unit-5 India as an Emerging Power | India’s Foreign Policy DSC-18 SEM 6 | BA Hons Political Science

Introduction

The international order refers to the rules, norms, institutions, and power dynamics that govern relations among states and global actors. It is shaped by political, economic, and strategic factors, and is not static—it's fluid and continuously evolving.

Historical Shifts in the Global Order:

• Bipolar World (Cold War Era): The world was divided between the USA and the Soviet Union, with institutions like the United Nations and the Bretton Woods system emerging to stabilize the global system.

• Unipolar World (Post-1991): After the Soviet Union's fall, the USA dominated the global stage, establishing American hegemony and promoting liberal democratic values.

• Multipolar World (Present): New powers like China, India, Brazil, and the return of Russia are shaping a more dispersed power structure. Economic interdependence and technological advancements have contributed to a fragmented yet interdependent global dynamic.

India's Growing Role:

• Emerging Power: India's rich history, robust economic growth, strategic influence, and soft power assets make it a key player in the evolving global system.

• Economic Influence: India’s economic growth positions it as an influential force in shaping the international order, particularly in the context of global trade and economic interdependence.

• Strategic and Diplomatic Engagement: India plays a growing role in global diplomacy, contributing to international norms, policies, and the resolution of global challenges like climate change and cybersecurity.

Soft Power Diplomacy: India uses soft power diplomacy—leveraging its cultural, historical, and social strengths—as a critical tool to enhance its global influence in a rapidly changing power landscape.

India in the Changing International Order

• International Order :

  • The international order consists of rules, norms, institutions, and power dynamics that guide global relations.

  • It is evolving, and India’s ability to adapt to these changes is crucial for asserting its influence and achieving foreign policy goals.

    
    

• Historical Shifts in the Global Order:

  • Cold War Era (Bipolarity): Dominated by the USA and Soviet Union, limiting India’s global influence.

  • Post-1991 (Unipolarity): The collapse of the Soviet Union led to a unipolar world dominated by the USA.

  • Present (Multipolarity): The rise of countries like China, India, and Brazil has shifted the global system to a more multipolar world.

    
    

• Opportunities and Challenges for India:

  • India’s increasing role comes with the opportunity to shape global governance and strategic decisions.

  • However, it also faces the challenge of managing complex relationships with emerging powers.

India’s Position in the Changing Global Landscape

• Economic Liberalization (1991):

  • India’s economic liberalization in 1991, following a balance of payments crisis, marked a shift towards a more market-oriented economy.

  • This transition helped India become one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, boosting its global influence.

    
    

• India's Global Economic Role:

  • India’s integration into global markets and institutions (e.g., WTO, G20) has positioned it as a significant player in shaping global economic policies.

  • India advocates for the interests of developing nations in global forums.

    
    

• Strategic Partnerships:

  • Post-Cold War Shift: India moved away from non-alignment and began forming strategic alliances.

  • QUAD (India, US, Japan, Australia): Focuses on creating a free, open Indo-Pacific and countering China's influence.

  • BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa): A platform for India to promote multipolarity and advocate for global governance reforms.

  • G20: India has become an active voice in global decision-making, particularly in areas like sustainable development, climate change, and fair trade.

India's Role in Global Governance

• United Nations (UN):

  • India advocates for UN Security Council reform to reflect modern geopolitical realities.

  • India is one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping missions and a vocal supporter of Global South representation.

    
    

• World Trade Organization (WTO):

  • India champions the interests of developing nations, pushing for fair trade practices and resisting pressures from developed countries on issues like intellectual property rights and agriculture subsidies.

    
    

• Global Health Governance:

  • India’s Vaccine Maitri initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated its leadership in global health, providing vaccines to over 100 countries.

Economic Power and Global Trade Dynamics

• Economic Growth Trajectory:

  • India has transformed from a primarily agrarian economy to one of the largest and fastest-growing economies globally since its 1991 economic liberalization.

  • The country’s GDP growth rate has consistently outpaced many developed and developing nations, with India becoming the fifth largest economy by nominal GDP and third largest by Purchasing Power Parity (PPP).

  • Key drivers include India’s youthful population, an expanding middle class, and a diversified industrial base.

    
    

• Growth Drivers:

  • IT and BPO sectors: Companies like Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Wipro, and Infosys have established India as a global leader in IT and business outsourcing.

  • India’s growing digital economy, with advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and fintech, positions it as a critical player in the global knowledge economy.

Trade Policies and Global Integration

• Pragmatic Trade Policies:

  • India’s trade policies focus on industrial protection and economic development, aiming to balance global competitiveness with domestic needs.

  • India has been cautious about joining broader multilateral trade agreements like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) due to concerns over the impact on local industries, particularly agriculture and small-scale manufacturing.

    
    

• Global Economic Participation:

  • India plays an active role in key global trade forums like the WTO and G20, pushing for fair trade, market access, and the preservation of intellectual property rights for developing nations.

  • India's active role in global economic discussions allows it to advance the interests of the Global South.

India’s Contributions to Global Trade

• Exports and Global Health Security

  • India is a major exporter of textiles, pharmaceuticals, software services, and agricultural products. Its pharmaceutical sector, often called the world’s “pharmacy,” plays a key role in providing affordable medicines and vaccines globally.

  • During the COVID-19 pandemic, India’s Vaccine Maitri initiative showcased its contribution to global health security by supplying vaccines to over 100 countries.

    
    

• IT and Digital Services:

  • The IT sector remains a key contributor to India’s trade profile, with Indian companies providing cutting-edge digital services to businesses worldwide.

  • India is making strides in digital services and technology-driven sectors like AI, blockchain, and fintech.

    
    

• Agricultural Exports:

  • India’s agricultural exports, including rice, spices, and tea, continue to be crucial in its trade profile. However, challenges like fluctuating global prices and non-tariff barriers from importing countries affect this sector.

  • The government is working to promote agricultural exports through initiatives like market diversification and export subsidies.

    
    

• Renewable Energy and Sustainability:

  • India is increasingly focused on renewable energy and sustainability, with an emphasis on solar energy.

  • The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is an important initiative, reflecting India’s commitment to solving climate change through international collaboration and investment in solar projects worldwide.

Innovation and Technology: Catalysts for Trade Dynamics

• India's Achievements in Space Technology:

  • India’s Space Research Organization (ISRO) has made significant strides in space exploration, with missions like Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan garnering global recognition.

  • These achievements have opened international avenues for collaboration in space technology and satellite design, elevating India's position in the global space arena.

    
    

• Tech Startups and Innovation:

  • India's burgeoning startup ecosystem has gained global attention, with cities like Bengaluru (often called the 'Silicon Valley of India') attracting substantial investments from global venture capital firms.

  • Indian startups like Flipkart, Paytm, and BYJU's have transformed the global tech landscape, successfully expanding beyond domestic markets and improving standards of innovation.

    
    

• Digital India Initiative:

  • The Digital India initiative has created a robust technology-enabled governance ecosystem. One of the most significant achievements is the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), a game-changer for digital payments that has set new benchmarks for financial inclusion and digital transactions worldwide.

  • These innovations highlight India's potential to lead in addressing complex global challenges through technological solutions.

Way Forward and Challenges

• Underutilized Economic Power:

  • While India has achieved significant economic power, it has not yet fully exploited its potential in trade and global influence. Ease of doing business is still hindered by infrastructure gaps, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and regulatory hurdles.

    
    

• Trade Imbalance and Diversification:

  • India faces a trade imbalance, especially with China. To address this, India must strategize to diversify import sources and enhance its export competitiveness.

    
    

• Addressing Domestic Inequality:

  • Economic inequality and the skills gap must be addressed to ensure that the benefits of growth and trade are distributed equitably. Investment in education, healthcare, and research and development (R&D) will be critical for India’s long-term growth and competitiveness.

Strategic and Security Dimensions

• Military Modernization and Strategic Autonomy:

  • India has evolved into a regional power and is becoming an emerging global player in terms of military capability and security.

  • India’s defense capabilities have been significantly modernized, making it one of the largest standing armed forces globally, with advancements in both conventional and unconventional threats.

  • The modernization efforts span across all branches of the military (Army, Navy, Air Force), with a focus on acquiring advanced weaponry, upgrading platforms, and enhancing cyber and space warfare capabilities.

    
    

• Make in India Initiative:

  • The 'Make in India' initiative aims to promote indigenous defense production, reducing dependency on foreign imports. Programs like the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Arjun Main Battle Tank, and BrahMos supersonic cruise missile are emblematic of India’s growing self-reliance in defense technology.

  • However, India also continues to engage with countries like Russia, the United States, France, and Israel to access some of the world's most advanced defense systems, including Rafale fighter jets, S-400 missile defense systems, and Predator drones.

    
    

• Strategic Autonomy:

  • Strategic autonomy is a cornerstone of India's foreign and security policy. This concept, rooted in India’s historical non-alignment policy, emphasizes independent decision-making without being obligated to any alliance.

  • India has maintained a balanced approach in managing its relationships with major powers such as the United States, Russia, and China. For example, India has strengthened its defense relationship with the U.S. through agreements like COMCASA and BECA while maintaining close military ties with Russia.

    
    

Non-Proliferation Policies and Nuclear Power Status

• India’s Nuclear Policy:

  • India’s nuclear doctrine is built on the principle of credible minimum deterrence, which has been in place since its first nuclear test in 1974. This approach ensures that India possesses sufficient nuclear capabilities to deter adversaries, without escalating into an arms race.

  • India follows the No First Use (NFU) policy, meaning it will not use nuclear weapons unless first attacked by an adversary using them. This doctrine also emphasizes civilian control over nuclear weapons, reflecting India’s commitment to responsible nuclear behavior.

    
    

• Challenges in Global Nuclear Recognition:

  • As a non-signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), India has faced challenges in being formally recognized as a nuclear-armed state. Despite this, India has reinforced its legitimacy within the global nuclear order by adhering to stringent non-proliferation measures.

  • A significant step towards global nuclear cooperation was India’s Civil Nuclear Agreement with the United States, which allowed India to participate in the global nuclear market despite its NPT non-signatory status.

    
    

• Advocacy for Nuclear Disarmament:

  • India has consistently advocated for global nuclear disarmament and promotes a comprehensive approach to reducing nuclear risks. India’s active involvement in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), alongside efforts to gain membership, underlines its commitment to nuclear security and non-proliferation.

    
    

Maritime Security and Indo-Pacific Strategies

• Geopolitical Importance of Maritime Security:

  • Given its vast 7,500 km coastline and strategic location near critical maritime chokepoints like the Strait of Malacca, maritime security is central to India’s strategic framework. The protection of maritime trade routes and energy supply is essential for India’s security and economic stability.

    
    

• Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific Vision:

  • India's Act East Policy reflects its vision for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. This approach focuses on forging partnerships with both regional and global powers to address common challenges, such as piracy, terrorism, and illegal fishing.

  • India's engagement in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD), comprising the United States, Japan, and Australia, exemplifies India’s commitment to regional stability. The QUAD has become a critical maritime platform, focusing on joint naval exercises, disaster response, and technology sharing.

    
    

• Naval Modernization and Strategic Capabilities:

  • India’s maritime strategy is focused on enhancing its naval capabilities to project power beyond the Indian Ocean. This includes the induction of advanced warships, submarines, and aircraft carriers like INS Vikrant.

  • Regular drills, such as the Malabar Exercise, further strengthen India’s naval interoperability with key partners and enhance its ability to address emerging maritime challenges.

    
    

• Broader Approach to Maritime Security:

  • India promotes regional cooperation in maritime security through forums like the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and advocates for renewable energy initiatives in coastal regions through the International Solar Alliance (ISA). This highlights India’s holistic approach to maritime security, balancing both traditional and non-traditional security threats.

Challenges and Opportunities

• Strategic and Security Threats:

  • India faces geopolitical challenges on its borders, particularly with China and Pakistan. The ongoing border standoff with China in eastern Ladakh underscores the need for robust defense preparedness to address regional security threats.

  • The growing Indian Ocean presence of China, driven by its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the construction of dual-use facilities in countries like Sri Lanka and Pakistan, further complicates India’s maritime security concerns.

    
    

• Balancing Strategic Autonomy with Partnerships:

  • While India has strengthened its ties with countries like the United States, it must continue to exercise strategic autonomy in decision-making, especially when there are divergent interests. This balancing act is critical for India to maintain its independent foreign policy while deepening its global partnerships.

    
    

• Opportunities for India:

  • India’s military modernization, commitment to nuclear responsibility, and maritime engagement offer significant opportunities to enhance its global influence. By leveraging its geographic advantages, technological advancements, and diplomatic partnerships, India can position itself as a responsible global power.

  • India’s role as a stabilizing force in the Indo-Pacific region and as a key player in global security governance further strengthens its strategic and security priorities.

Challenges in the Global Order

India’s rise as a global player brings with it a set of complex challenges in managing international relations and navigating the global order. Despite its increasing economic and military capabilities, India must deal with a range of difficulties stemming from its diplomatic relationships with major powers, pressing global issues, and limitations in its power projection.

1. Managing Relationships with Major Powers

India faces the challenge of balancing its relations with key global powers: the United States, China, and Russia. These countries are not only central to the international order but also key players in shaping global politics, and India’s interactions with them have significant implications for its foreign policy.

• India and the United States:

  • India’s relationship with the United States has strengthened significantly, especially in defense, technology, and trade. Both countries share a common interest in advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific and countering China’s rise. However, this relationship is complicated by India’s commitment to maintaining strategic autonomy, and challenges remain in trade disputes, intellectual property rights, and climate finance.

• India and China:

  • The relationship with China is one of the most complicated for India, marked by territorial disputes (notably in Ladakh) and strategic rivalry. Despite these tensions, China remains India’s largest trading partner, creating a delicate balancing act between economic interdependence and strategic rivalry. Additionally, China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in South Asia and the Indian Ocean has further complicated matters, increasing China’s influence in India’s backyard.

• India and Russia:

  • India’s long-standing relationship with Russia has primarily been based on defense cooperation. However, the growing closeness between Russia and China, combined with Russia’s frayed relations with the United States, has made it increasingly difficult for India to balance these relationships. India's traditional non-alignment policy has been tested as it navigates Russia’s involvement in global issues like the Russia-Ukraine war, while still maintaining strategic partnerships with Russia, especially in defense and energy sectors.

2. Tackling Global Issues

India’s leadership in global governance and its ability to handle pressing global challenges is under constant scrutiny. As one of the largest emerging economies, India faces specific hurdles in addressing critical global issues like climate change, terrorism, and global health crises.

• Climate Change:

  • India, as one of the largest greenhouse gas emitters, faces significant international pressure to reduce its carbon footprint. However, it must balance climate action with developmental priorities—especially given its large population and reliance on fossil fuels. While India has committed to net-zero emissions by 2070 under the Paris Agreement, significant challenges remain in terms of funding, technology transfer, and equitable climate finance.

    
    

• Terrorism:

  • India has been a consistent victim of cross-border terrorism, particularly from Pakistan, and has actively advocated for global cooperation to combat terrorism. India has pushed for action through platforms such as the United Nations and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). However, global counter-terrorism efforts remain fragmented due to geopolitical considerations, the lack of a universal definition of terrorism, and the politicization of the issue, leading to inefficiencies in addressing the root causes of terrorism.

    
    

• Health Crises:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of global health systems. India’s vaccine diplomacy played a significant role in ensuring the distribution of vaccines to over 100 countries, showcasing its global health leadership. However, India faces significant domestic challenges in improving its healthcare infrastructure and access. Balancing domestic healthcare needs with global responsibilities will be crucial for India’s future role in global health governance.

3. Limitations in Power Projection

Despite its growing economic power, military capabilities, and strategic ambitions, India faces several limitations in its ability to project power on the global stage. These limitations are driven by economic constraints, infrastructural gaps, and regional challenges.

• Economic Constraints:

  • While India is one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, it remains behind global powers like the United States and China in terms of GDP, technological capabilities, and defense spending. Economic inequalities within the country further constrain its ability to invest in global power projection. India must balance the need to strengthen its defense and technological sectors with the need for investments in education, infrastructure, and poverty alleviation.

    
    

• Infrastructural Gaps:

  • India’s defense infrastructure and logistical capabilities are still under development compared to those of other global powers. While it has made significant strides in army modernization, its naval and air power capabilities need further advancement to project influence beyond its immediate region. Moreover, India’s indigenous defense production capacity is limited by its need to maintain strategic autonomy.

    
    

• Regional Challenges:

  • India’s immediate neighborhood presents unique challenges, particularly with Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China’s increasing footprint in the region. The competition with China in South Asia and the growing Chinese presence through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) adds further complexity to India’s regional ambitions. These challenges require India to allocate significant resources and attention to its neighborhood, limiting its ability to focus fully on global issues.

Opportunities and Strides Toward Global Leadership

Despite these challenges, India is making significant strides in becoming a more prominent global player. The country is leveraging various initiatives to overcome its limitations:

• International Solar Alliance (ISA): India’s leadership in renewable energy through the ISA presents an opportunity to shape the global energy transition.

• Multilateral Engagement: India is playing a growing role in multilateral forums like the G20, BRICS, and the United Nations. Its active participation in these organizations helps position India as a key global leader in addressing pressing issues.

• Strategic Partnerships: India continues to deepen its strategic partnerships with countries across the globe, focusing on defense, technology, and economic cooperation, thereby enhancing its influence and reach.

Soft Power Diplomacy 

Soft power, a term coined by political scientist Joseph Nye, refers to a country’s ability to attract and persuade rather than coerce or use force. This form of power is rooted in the appeal of a nation's culture, political values, and foreign policy, which together help shape global perception and foster cooperation without the need for military intervention.

Soft Power 

Soft power is defined as the ability to get others to want what you want, achieved through attraction and appeal rather than coercion. It manifests in various forms:

• Cultural exchanges

• Media

• Education

• Diplomacy

• Values

The significance of soft power lies in its ability to create lasting partnerships, prevent conflicts, and mitigate crises through cooperation. In an increasingly interconnected world, soft power complements hard power (such as military force) by enabling countries to project a positive image, foster people-to-people connections, and engage in multilateral initiatives.

For India, soft power is particularly valuable, given its civilizational heritage, democratic principles, and dynamic culture. India leverages various assets such as Bollywood, yoga, its diaspora, and its culinary traditions to build bridges between itself and the rest of the world. These assets not only enhance India’s global reputation but also help meet its strategic objectives by fostering international goodwill.

Joseph Nye’s Concept of Soft Power: Relevance for India

In the late 20th century, Joseph Nye introduced the concept of soft power, arguing that a nation’s influence is not solely dependent on military and economic might. According to Nye, soft power emerges from three primary resources:

1. Culture

2. Political values

3. Foreign policies

For India, this concept is highly relevant due to its vast array of soft power resources:

• Yoga and Ayurveda: Ancient Indian practices that have found global appeal, contributing to India’s image as a leader in wellness and holistic living.

• Bollywood: The global reach of India’s entertainment industry plays a crucial role in promoting Indian values and culture, with millions of people around the world embracing Indian films and their messages.

• Indian Diaspora: The world’s largest diaspora, which serves as informal ambassadors, fostering strong links between India and other nations. The Indian community plays a key role in enhancing India’s image abroad and strengthening bilateral ties.

• Democratic Values: As the world’s largest democracy, India stands as an example of political pluralism, inclusivity, and peaceful transitions, making it a model for many developing countries.

India has used soft power diplomatically in initiatives such as the International Day of Yoga, which it successfully championed at the United Nations. In today’s global order, where perceptions and trust are crucial, soft power is an essential component of India’s foreign policy. By projecting its cultural richness, democratic values, and constructive global policies, India can bolster its global standing, form strategic partnerships, and contribute to a more inclusive international order.

India’s Soft Power Assets

India’s soft power resources are deeply rooted in its cultural heritage, creative arts, and commitment to democratic ideals and pluralism. These resources have helped shape India’s global image and increase its influence on the world stage. Key soft power assets include:

Cultural Heritage and Traditions

India’s cultural diversity and rich heritage are among its most important soft power assets. These traditions have been appreciated globally for their depth and universality:

• Yoga and Ayurveda: These ancient Indian practices have been embraced worldwide for their holistic approach to well-being, both physical and mental. The United Nations’ declaration of International Day of Yoga, spearheaded by India, highlights the universal appeal of yoga.

• Festivals: Indian festivals such as Diwali, Holi, Eid, and Christmas reflect India’s cultural pluralism and are celebrated not only within the country but across the world. Festivals like Diwali have become major public celebrations in countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.

Religious and Spiritual Influence

India is the birthplace of several major world religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Key religious and spiritual sites like Bodh Gaya, Amritsar’s Golden Temple, and Varanasi attract millions of visitors annually, cementing India’s position as a global hub for spirituality and peace.

• The Dalai Lama: The Tibetan spiritual leader’s residence in Dharamshala further strengthens India’s association with global peace and spirituality, making India a key player in promoting religious tolerance and global dialogue.

Other Cultural Exports

India’s global influence is also magnified by its creative arts and literary contributions. The Indian film industry, music, dance, and literature resonate worldwide, further extending the country’s cultural reach. Bollywood, in particular, plays a significant role in fostering a positive image of India through its vibrant storytelling and cultural themes.

India’s Soft Power Diplomacy

1. Soft Power Definition

• Soft power: Ability to influence and attract others through cultural appeal, values, and diplomacy, rather than coercion or force.

• Joseph Nye introduced the concept, emphasizing culture, political values, and foreign policies as sources of soft power.

  
  

2. Importance of Soft Power for India

• India’s soft power assets include its diverse culture, democratic values, and vibrant traditions.

• Soft power helps in forming partnerships, preventing conflicts, and achieving strategic goals without using force.

  
  

3. India’s Soft Power Assets

• Cultural Heritage & Traditions:

  • Yoga and Ayurveda are globally recognized and celebrated.

  • Indian festivals like Diwali, Holi, and Eid are widely celebrated across the world.

  • India is a hub for spirituality and religious tourism (e.g., Golden Temple, Bodh Gaya).

• Bollywood:

  • Bollywood is a global cultural symbol, attracting audiences across Asia, Africa, Middle East, and beyond.

  • Films like RRR and Baahubali have gained international recognition.

• Indian Literature:

  • Classical and contemporary Indian authors like Rabindranath Tagore and modern writers address universal themes like identity, globalization, and postcolonialism.

• Creative Arts:

  • Classical dance forms (e.g., Bharatanatyam) and music (e.g., Hindustani music), along with Indian pop and fusion, contribute to India’s global influence.

  • Textiles and handicrafts (e.g., Pashmina shawls, Banarasi silk) are highly valued worldwide.

4. India’s Democratic Values

• India, as the world’s largest democracy, promotes democratic ideals such as secularism, equality, and justice.

• India’s democratic institutions are recognized globally for peaceful power transitions and vibrant electoral processes.

5. India’s Global Role

• Global South Representation: India advocates for developing nations through platforms like the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and G20.

• India’s diaspora: Promotes Indian culture and values abroad through festivals, cultural events, and media representation.

6. Institutional and Diplomatic Mechanisms

• Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR):

  • Promotes cultural exchange and cooperation globally.

  • Organizes cultural festivals, exhibitions, and performances showcasing Indian traditions.

  • Provides scholarships for foreign students to study in India, fostering long-term goodwill.

    
    

• Public Diplomacy Initiatives:

  • Digital India: Showcase of India’s technological innovation, especially in digital infrastructure and e-governance.

  • Mission Life (Lifestyle for Environment): Advocates for sustainable lifestyles to combat climate change.

  • International Day of Yoga: Celebrated globally, promoting well-being and health with India at the forefront.

Role of India’s Diaspora and Soft Power in Global Relations

1. The Role of Diaspora as Cultural Ambassadors

• India’s Diaspora: One of the largest globally, with 32 million people spread across the world, acting as a bridge between India and other nations.

• Cultural Contributions:

  • Organizes festivals (e.g., Diwali, Holi, Navratri), exhibitions, and performances to celebrate Indian traditions in public spaces.

  • Establishes cultural and educational institutions focusing on Indian languages, classical dance, and music to preserve and promote Indian culture.

• Economic Impact:

  • Indian professionals in fields like technology, medicine, and finance enhance India’s global image as a source of talent and innovation (e.g., Sundar Pichai, Satya Nadella, Kamala Harris).

• Political and Diplomatic Roles:

  • Indian-origin politicians, such as Rishi Sunak (UK) and Leo Varadkar (Ireland), strengthen India’s presence and global standing.

  • Diaspora communities lobby for favorable policies and strengthen relationships between their host countries and India.

• Key Initiatives:

  • Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (Non-Resident Indians Day): Celebrates the contributions of the Indian diaspora.

  • Overseas Citizen of India (OCI): Strengthens ties between India and its global citizens.

2. India’s Soft Power in Global Relations

• India’s soft power enhances its diplomatic efforts globally through shared values, cultural exchanges, and developmental partnerships.

Soft Power in South Asia, Africa, and the Global South

• South Asia:

  • Bollywood and Indian television shows are widely popular in countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, fostering cultural bonds.

  • India offers scholarships and capacity-building activities to attract students and professionals from the region.

  • India’s vaccine supply, disaster relief, and infrastructure development solidify its role as a dependable partner.

• Africa:

  • India’s partnership with Africa is based on solidarity, mutual respect, and developmental cooperation.

  • India’s technological expertise and projects like the Pan African e-Network provide telemedicine and e-learning services.

• Global South:

  • India champions fairer development and leads initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and vaccine diplomacy during COVID-19.

  • India represents the Global South in organizations like G20, BRICS, and the United Nations.

India’s Contribution to Peace and Development

• Disaster Aid:

  • India has provided humanitarian assistance in countries like Nepal (after the 2015 earthquake), Sri Lanka (during economic crisis), and Yemen (Operation Rahat).

• Educational and Capacity-Building Programs:

  • India offers programs like the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC), which trains professionals in fields like IT, healthcare, and more.

  • Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP) supports global peace education.

• Health Diplomacy:

  • India has been a key player in global health diplomacy, supplying affordable medicines and vaccines through programs like Vaccine Maitri during the COVID-19 pandemic.

3. International Yoga Day and Cultural Influence

• International Yoga Day (June 21):

  • Recognized by 177 UN member states and celebrated globally in iconic locations like Paris, Sydney, and New York.

  • Promotes health, well-being, and global harmony, solidifying India’s leadership in wellness and spirituality.

Challenges to India’s Soft Power Diplomacy

1. Internal Issues and Perceptions

• Communalism and Social Inequalities:

  • India’s internal challenges, such as caste bias, gender inequality, and poverty, can affect its image globally.

  • These issues may undermine India’s narrative as a model of democracy and equitable development.

• Human Rights Concerns:

  • Criticisms regarding human rights violations (e.g., anti-terrorism policies, freedom of expression) can hinder India’s ability to position itself as a champion of democratic values.

2. Competition from Other Global Soft Power Leaders

• China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI):

  • China’s large-scale infrastructure projects spanning over 140 countries offer economic opportunities and extend China’s influence.

  • China's Confucius Institutes and state-funded media promote Chinese culture globally, competing with India's soft power initiatives.

• Western Nations:

  • The United States, United Kingdom, and France dominate global soft power through their control of universities, media, and entertainment industries.

  • India's cultural assets, though rich, do not have the same global visibility and impact as those of the West.

• Regional Competition:

  • India’s role as a leader in South Asia is challenged by smaller neighbors like Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, who lean towards China through economic investments, propaganda, and cultural exchanges.

3. Balancing Hard Power and Soft Power

• Inconsistent Perceptions:

  • India's hard power (military operations, border disputes, and economic sanctions) may clash with its soft power narrative. For example, military conflicts, such as the Ladakh standoff or airstrikes in Pakistan, could create perceptions of aggression that weaken India’s image as a peace promoter.

• Limited Resources for Soft Power:

  • India’s soft power investments are smaller compared to China’s extensive cultural diplomacy programs, such as Confucius Institutes, and the West’s large-scale cultural initiatives.

• Tensions with Hard Power Allies:

  • India's growing defense ties with the United States may create tensions with Russia and impact India's ability to maintain an independent soft power image in the Global South.

4. Addressing the Challenges

• Improving Domestic Governance:

  • India should focus on addressing communalism, human rights, and social inequalities to enhance its democratic and pluralistic values globally.

• Expanding Soft Power Investments:

  • Increased funding in cultural diplomacy, public diplomacy, and education initiatives can help India better compete with other global powers.

  • Expanding the reach of Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and increasing cultural exchange programs will strengthen India’s soft power.

• Leveraging Diaspora Networks:

  • India can involve its diaspora communities to uphold its cultural and democratic values worldwide, strengthening its soft power.

• Integrating Hard and Soft Power:

  • India must find ways to integrate hard power (to protect national interests) with soft power (to build partnerships and trust) for a more comprehensive diplomatic approach.