Chanakya Policy & Research Foundation

Since Independence, Indian foreign policy has been embedded with the Buddhist Panchsheel principles (Mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, Mutual non-aggression, Mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, Equality and mutual benefit and Peaceful co-existence). This framework has been perceived as peaceful and non-interventionist. However, the importance of peaceful coexistence has only grown in light of the ever-evolving world order and its dynamic requirements. As a result, countries have turned to economic power and public diplomacy—particularly through soft power—to project and safeguard their interests. Joseph Nye, in his book “Bound to Lead: The Changing Nature of American Power” for the first time introduces the term “Soft power” as the ability to co-opt other states by the nation’s appeal based on its culture and values without resorting to coercive pressure. It encompasses various contributors, including culture, religion, media, cuisine and industrial influence.  The concept peaked during the Cold War of the 1990s, as the US and the USSR showcased their global influence through economic, political and ideological strengths. In the modern era, a noteworthy example of soft power would be how South Korea strategically invested in the popularity of the K-pop and K-drama industry to augment economic growth by promoting Korean culture, beauty products, cuisine, and tourism.

 

H.H.S.Viswanathan writes in his article “India’s Soft Power Diplomacy” that India’s soft power diplomacy stems from the country’s long and magnificent history that interacts with a multitude of cultures, religions, and ethnicities, as Jawarhar Lal Nehru would reminiscence India as “united in diversity”. Viswanathan emphasises that soft power diplomacy wins the hearts and minds of people by transcending geographical and cultural boundaries. To achieve this, India must celebrate its achievements and those of its fellow nations, all while promoting democracy, fraternity, human rights, and justice. It is also critical that fellow nations perceive India as a conflict resolutionist, open to negotiation, humble and empathic. The following section of the article will study how India has channelled its advantage on the cultural diplomacy of Buddhism, given its unique historical origin and significance, to garner support and augment its diplomatic relations with its fellow nations. 

 

Earlier this year, India loaned bone fragments of Buddha, known as the “Kapilavatsu Relics”, along with the relics of Buddha’s disciples, Sariputta and Maha Moggallana, and will be displayed in Thailand for 25 days. This exhibition marked both the 72nd birth anniversary of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and the friendship between India and Thailand. As Titipol Phakdeewanich, a political scientist at the Faculty of Political Science at Ubon Ratchathani University, wrote in the Bangkok Post, “It was an act of gracious generosity by the Indian government because the relics are classified in the ‘AA’ (rare) category of antiquities and art treasures,”. 

 

Research indicates that 97% of the global Buddhist population lives in Asia, with Buddhism shaping the national identities of countries like Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. The pan-Asian presence makes Buddhism ideal for soft power diplomacy in the region, augmenting peaceful coexistence. While Indian Soft Power Diplomacy embraces the promotion of Bollywood cinema, literature, art forms, ayurveda, architecture and Yoga, Buddhist diplomacy focuses on promoting shared history, culture and religious associations as a foundation of bilateral relations. This approach perfectly aligns with the “Panchamrit Principle” of “Sanskriti Evam Sabhyata”, which weighs enhancing India’s cultural ties with fellow nations as part of its non-coercive soft power strategy. 

 

Buddhism emerged as a beacon of peace, embodying the ideals of “Ahimsa” and “Dhamma” in the aftermath of World War II, with the inception of several conferences and summits patronised by states to promote transnational cooperation among Buddhist thoughts. This resurgence gave birth to the widespread embrace of Buddhist heritage in Southeast Asian nations.  India boasts seven significant Buddhist sites, including Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Kushinagara, Rajgir, Vaishali, and the revived Nalanda University, which encourage interactions with Buddhist communities. Lastly, India is a refugee haven to the Tibetan parliament-in-exile and the Dalai Lama, reinforcing its image as the protector of the oppressed and strengthening its position within the global Buddhist community.

 

Several manoeuvres of India’s “Act East Policy” can be categorised under the utilisation of Buddhism in its foreign policy.  PM Modi promoted Buddhist ideals in his speeches across global events while stressing India’s dedication to fostering Buddhist heritage and underlining its significance within Indian Foreign Policy. In September 2019, Prime Minister Modi emphasised India’s commitment to championing the teachings of “Buddh” (Lord Buddha) as a peaceful alternative to the notion of “Yuddh” (war) while addressing the United Nations General Assembly on the subject of terrorism. 

 

The Ministry of Tourism promotes cross-border Buddhist pilgrimages, and in 2015, the Ministry of Tourism announced a Buddhist project involving sites in Lumbini and Kapilavastu. 2016, the BIMSTEC leaders’ retreat endorsed plans for a regional Buddhist pilgrimage. To bridge the gap, 1% of global Buddhist tourism despite being stationed with seven significant Buddhist sites.

 

The revival of Nalanda University, a distinguished ancient Buddhist institution, significantly illustrates India’s soft power strategy. This initiative is envisioned as a pan-Asian endeavour to foster cross-border community engagement and promote religious tourism. Despite the ambitious goal, the university is stifled by problems in infrastructural investments, political pressure, and bureaucratic barriers to hamper its development. 

 

Similar policies on the Chinese front have restricted India’s efforts to leverage Buddhism effectively in its favour. The long-standing tension between Tibet and China, following the Tibetian government in exile along with the Dalai Lama seeking refuge in India in 1959, has deteriorated Indo-Chinese ties further. PM Modi has been increasingly vocal about his support for the Dalai Lama, especially after the border escalations in 2020 and 2022. This relationship with the Dalai Lama and the widespread support for Buddhism is seen as a pathway to restrict China’s growing influence in the region, expanding it with diplomatic ties with Taiwan. 

 

Indian developments in promoting Buddhist ideals through soft power diplomacy are commendable. Still, critics highlight the need for a holistic and practical plan to implement its initiatives beyond symbolism and tokenism to reap the full potential of Buddhist Soft Power Diplomacy. By efficient execution, India can counter the Chinese influence, strengthen its relationships with Asian nations, and project itself as a regional and global power leader grounded in the principles of peace and harmony.