US Soft Power Decline:
- Driven by “America First” policies, leading to weakened alliances (NATO, AUKUS), strained ties with Global South due to unconditional support for Israel.
- Reduced humanitarian engagement due to USAID funding cuts and closure of institutions.
- Unstable trade and immigration policies, including protectionist measures and tighter immigration controls, damage US image.
- Decline in appeal of US higher education due to crackdown on protests and funding cuts.
India’s Soft Power Strengths:
- Rich cultural influence through yoga, Ayurveda, Bollywood, and spiritual traditions.
- Strong diaspora connections and historical ties, particularly in Asia and Africa.
- Democratic model and Gandhian ideals inspire developing nations.
- Economic and technological growth, leadership in IT, and vaccine diplomacy during COVID-19.
- Education and knowledge exchange through IITs, IIMs, and training programs like ITEC.
- Humanitarian aid and disaster relief, exemplified by Operation Brahma and assistance to Sri Lanka.
- Active participation in multilateral forums (UN, WHO, BRICS, G20).
Challenges to India’s Soft Power:
- Institutional gaps and poor coordination among organizations like ICCR and AYUSH.
- Limited utilization of multilateral platforms like UNESCO and BRICS.
- Inadequate financial resources compared to countries like China and the US.
- Lack of a formal study on global best practices in soft power promotion.
- Underutilized diaspora in shaping international perceptions.
- Passive approach to public diplomacy compared to proactive efforts by countries like China.
Way Forward for India:
- Develop a comprehensive national strategy for cultural diplomacy.
- Restructure institutions like ICCR and enhance coordination.
- Leverage multilateral platforms for cultural diplomacy.
- Learn from international best practices in soft power promotion.
- Involve the Indian diaspora in advocacy and policymaking.