HPAS 2024 Mains GS-2 Question 8
Discuss the Soft Power attributes of Indian foreign policy.
Solution:
Soft Power, a term coined by Joseph Nye, refers to the ability of a country to persuade others to do what it wants without force or coercion. India’s soft power is rooted in its 5,000-year-old civilizational heritage, democratic values, and the contemporary philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The World is One Family).
[Image of the key components of India’s soft power strategy]1. Core Attributes of India’s Soft Power
- Yoga and Spirituality: The global acceptance of International Day of Yoga (June 21) is a prime example. India is seen as the spiritual capital of the world, attracting millions through Ayurveda, meditation, and Buddhist heritage.
- Democratic Credentials: As the “Mother of Democracy,” India’s successful management of its immense diversity through parliamentary processes provides a model for other developing nations in the Global South.
- Culture and Cuisine: From Bollywood (which has a massive following in Central Asia, Africa, and the Middle East) to Indian cuisine and classical arts, India’s cultural footprint is truly global.
- The Diaspora: With over 30 million people of Indian origin living abroad, the Indian Diaspora acts as a bridge, influencing the domestic policies of host nations and projecting India’s interests favorably.
- Educational and Technical Cooperation: Through the ITEC (Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation) program, India provides training and capacity building to thousands of professionals from 160+ countries.
2. Modern Applications: “Soft Power with a Purpose”
In recent years, India has integrated soft power into its strategic diplomacy:
- Vaccine Maitri: During the COVID-19 pandemic, India supplied vaccines to nearly 100 countries, reinforcing its image as the “Pharmacy of the World” and a “First Responder” in humanitarian crises.
- Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): Exporting the “India Stack” (UPI, Aadhaar) to other nations is a new-age soft power attribute that promotes financial inclusion globally.
- Buddhist Diplomacy: By developing the Buddhist Circuit and hosting international Buddhist summits, India leverages its heritage to strengthen ties with Southeast and East Asian nations.
“India is a country that can influence the world not by the size of its army, but by the power of its ideas and the strength of its culture.”
3. Challenges
Despite these strengths, India’s soft power faces hurdles such as poor infrastructure for tourism, negative global perceptions regarding internal social issues, and a lack of institutional funding for cultural centers abroad compared to China’s Confucius Institutes.
Concise Model Answer (150-Word Limit)
India’s Soft Power is a vital component of its foreign policy, allowing it to build global influence through attraction rather than coercion. Rooted in civilizational values, it derives its strength from five key attributes:
- Cultural & Spiritual Heritage: Global symbols like Yoga, Ayurveda, and the Buddhist Circuit project India as a center for peace and wellness.
- Democratic Values: Being the world’s largest democracy enhances India’s moral authority in global governance.
- Indian Diaspora: A 30-million-strong community that acts as an economic and cultural ambassador in foreign lands.
- Digital Diplomacy: Exporting technology like UPI (India Stack) to promote global financial inclusion.
- Humanitarian Leadership: Initiatives like Vaccine Maitri and acting as a “First Responder” during disasters (e.g., Operation Dost).
By blending these attributes under the vision of “Vishwa Bandhu”, India effectively bridges the gap between the Global North and the Global South.