India’s Cultural Diplomacy: Towards a National Framework for Global Engagement

Syllabus: GS2/ IR

Context

• India is strengthening its cultural diplomacy and international engagement through a Cultural Exchange Programmes with 98 countries.

What is Cultural Diplomacy?

• Cultural diplomacy is the exchange of ideas, information, art, language and other aspects of culture among nations and peoples in order to foster mutual understanding.
  • It functions as a soft but potent force for unity and coexistence.
• Following independence, several countries centred their foreign policy around culture or development policies around inter-state cooperation in culture.
• Examples of Soft Power: The formation of the EU is an excellent example of the triumph of soft power to settle centuries of dispute and conflict in Europe.
  • Immediately after World War II, school children from France and Germany were sent on exchange programmes to learn about each other’s culture, language and customs.

Pillars of India’s Cultural Diplomacy

• Saman (Peace): India’s commitment to peace is reflected in its long history of non-violence and diplomatic engagements.
  • India has played a proactive role in UN peacekeeping missions contributing personnel to over 40 missions globally. 
  • The country’s peace-oriented foreign policy combined with its non-aligned status has bolstered its image as a peaceful and stable power. 
  • India’s advocacy for global South-South cooperation has earned respect from developing nations which view India as a model for economic development.
• Samriddhi (Prosperity): India’s economic success through initiatives such as Make in India and Startup India has positioned it as an emerging global economic powerhouse with an emerging global market.
  • The country’s growing trade relationships particularly with Africa, Southeast Asia and the Middle East showcase its economic influence. 
• Suraksha (Security): India’s strategy for regional and global security is based on its alliances with significant powers like the United States, Russia and Japan.
  • India has established itself as a crucial actor in Indo-Pacific security balancing its historical non-aligned stance with active involvement in security platforms like the QUAD. 
  • India’s emphasis on counterterrorism and humanitarian efforts reflects its position as a contributor to regional security. 
• Sanskriti (Culture): Bollywood, classical arts, yoga and food are among the most visible exports of Indian culture.
  • The International Day of Yoga which is observed all around the world exemplifies how India expanded its cultural history to reach out to global audiences. 
  • Indian diaspora play a vital role in spreading Indian culture and values. Making its impact in an interconnected globalized world. 

Initiatives taken by Government

• Global Engagement Scheme (GES): The Ministry of Culture promotes India’s cultural relations with other countries through the GES.
  • GES comprises four major components: the International Cultural Exchange Programme (ICEP), Project Mausam, Brihattar Bharat and the Scheme for Safeguarding the Intangible Cultural Heritage and Diverse Cultural Traditions of India.
• The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of External Affairs, promoting Indian culture overseas and strengthening people-to-people ties through its network of Indian Cultural Centres and cultural programmes abroad.
• Multilateral Cultural Engagement: Cultural diplomacy is also pursued through India’s participation in forums such as BRICS, G20, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and BIMSTEC.

Challenges

• Competition from Other Countries’ Soft Power: China, South Korea, Japan and other countries spend a lot to promote their culture abroad.
• Limited Institutional and Financial Resources: Organisations like Indian Council for Cultural Relations are limited in terms of budgetary and manpower resources compared to similar institutions of major powers.
• Underutilisation of Cultural Assets: India’s rich cultural heritage, languages, literature, museums and historical sites are not always effectively showcased internationally.
• Digital and language barriers: Compared to competitors, Indian cultural content has less global accessibility due to limited translation and digital dissemination.
• Commercialisation of culture: Excessive commercialisation leads to the commodification, or dilution of traditional cultural practices and reduces their authenticity.

Way Ahead

• Strengthen institutional capacity: Enhance the funding, manpower and global presence of ICCR and Indian Cultural Centres to expand India’s cultural outreach.
• Digital Diplomacy: Use OTT platforms, social media, virtual museums, digital archives and multilingual content to make Indian culture accessible to global audiences.
• Strengthen Diaspora Partnerships: Engage the Indian diaspora as cultural ambassadors to promote Indian traditions, languages, festivals and values abroad.

Concluding remarks

• India’s soft power capability has significantly increased in the age of globalization fueled by its cultural diplomacy, economic advancement and strategic alliances. 
• As India maneuvers through the intricacies of international geopolitics its soft power will be an essential asset for cultivating relationships, encouraging mutual respect and promoting its interests globally. 

Source: PIB, DD NEWS