What is soft power? Highlight the elements of India’s soft power. Also discuss the institutional arrangements of the Government of India to project India’s soft power.
What is soft power? Highlight the elements of India’s soft power. Also discuss the institutional arrangements of the Government of India to project India’s soft power.
Soft power:
In politics (and particularly in international politics), soft power is the ability to attract co-opt rather than coerce (contrast hard power). In other words, soft power involves shaping the preferences of others through appeal and attraction.
Elements of India’s soft power:
- Religion: India’s Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam acts an emotional binder between Indians and the foreign countries especially the asian countries.
- Tourism: The pilgrimage tourism, medical tourism, eco-tourism and the like projects India as a great tourist destination.
- Language: Hindi, Tamil and Telugu for example acts a connecting gel between Indians and Indian diaspora
- Entertainments: Bollywood, Indian classical dances entertain the world community.
- Humanitarian support: India assists the countries which undergo humanitarian crisis ex:- Nepal earthquake
- Financial Aid: Grants and line of credits offered to various least developed countries.
- Cultural celebrations: Diwali, Holi are celebrated worldwide.
- Sports: Cricket, Hockey and others promote fraternity.
Institutional Arrangements:
1. Ministry of External Affairs: ITEC programme, Know India Programme, Study in India programme, easing of visa regulations.
Under Indian Centre for Cultural Relations (ICCR) various scholarships and cultural programmes are offered to foreign countries.
2. Ministry of Culture: maintaining UNESCO and other cultural heritage sites with the help of Archaeological Survey of India.
Conclusion:
It is imperative for India to strengthen its soft power credentials to win the hearts of the world community.
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