HPAS 2025 GS2 Question 8

HPAS 2025 Mains GS-2 Question 8

Explain India’s cultural Diplomacy policy.

Solution:

Cultural Diplomacy is the use of a nation’s cultural resources—heritage, art, language, and values—to foster mutual understanding and build a favorable global image. For India, it is a primary instrument of Soft Power, anchored in the civilizational ethos of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The World is One Family).

1. Institutional Framework

India’s cultural outreach is managed through key institutions and schemes:

• Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR): Under the MEA, it manages cultural centers abroad, offers scholarships to foreign students, and organizes “Festivals of India” globally.
• Global Engagement Scheme: Implemented by the Ministry of Culture to project India’s cultural identity and encourage inbound tourism.
• Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): Modern cultural diplomacy leverages platforms like the ‘AIMS’ and ‘A2A’ portals to streamline international cultural operations.

2. Core Pillars of India’s Cultural Diplomacy

• The “Yoga” Diplomacy: Since the UN declared June 21 as International Day of Yoga, it has become India’s most ubiquitous cultural export, projecting India as a center for global wellness and harmony.
• Buddhist Circuit & Diplomacy: India leverages its status as the birthplace of Buddhism to strengthen ties with Southeast and East Asian nations, countering regional competition through shared spiritual heritage.
• Diaspora as Ambassadors: The 35-million-strong Indian diaspora acts as a bridge, promoting Indian festivals (Diwali, Holi) and values in host nations, as seen in events like Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.
• Civilizational Connect: Initiatives like Kashi Tamil Sangamam and the return of stolen antiquities from abroad emphasize India’s identity as a “Vishwa Guru” (Global Teacher).

During its G20 Presidency, India introduced the “Kashi Culture Pathway,” advocating for culture to be a standalone goal in the post-2030 global development agenda.

3. Significance

Cultural diplomacy helps India build “benevolent power,” ensuring it is viewed as a reliable and non-threatening partner. It supports economic goals by boosting tourism and helps in “soft-balancing” regional rivals by creating deep, civilizational bonds with neighbors.

Concise Model Answer (150-Word Limit)

India’s Cultural Diplomacy policy utilizes its rich heritage, spiritual wisdom, and democratic values as “Soft Power” to build global goodwill and strategic influence. Guided by the philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, it seeks to project India as a Civilizational Power and a “Vishwa Guru.”

Major components include:

1. Institutional Outreach: Managed by the ICCR and Ministry of Culture through “Festivals of India” and international scholarships.
2. Global Symbols: Promoting Yoga (International Day of Yoga), Ayurveda, and the Buddhist Circuit to foster regional and global ties.
3. Diaspora Engagement: Leveraging the 35-million-strong diaspora as cultural ambassadors to bridge people-to-people ties.
4. Civilizational Connect: Showcasing India’s diversity via events like the Kashi Culture Pathway during the G20.

By integrating culture into foreign policy, India aims to foster peace, encourage tourism, and create a unique “moral authority” in a polarized world.