What is soft power? Soft power is the ability of a country to influence others by attraction and shared values, not by force. It works when people want to engage with you because you are interesting and friendly.
India's main sources of soft power
- Culture and arts: Bollywood films, music, dance, classical arts, and Indian storytelling attract fans from around the world.
- Yoga and wellness: Yoga, Ayurveda, and meditation are popular worldwide for health and peace of mind.
- Displaced communities and the diaspora: Indians living abroad help spread culture, ideas, and friendships.
- Sports: Cricket and other sports inspire fans and create friendly ties between nations.
- Food and festivals: Indian food, festivals like Diwali, and colorful celebrations share culture.
- Science, technology, and space: ISRO and Indian tech show ingenuity and inspire many students.
- Democracy and values: India's democratic values and pluralism demonstrate how to live together peacefully.
How it helps India and others
- Friendship and trust with other countries
- More tourism and study exchanges
- Better business and collaboration on global issues
Examples an 11-year-old can relate to
- Watching a Bollywood dance scene and trying a fun move
- Trying a simple yoga pose or breathing exercise
- Learning about Diwali or a famous Indian festival
- Cheering for India in cricket with sportsmanship
How you can be part of India’s soft power
- Be respectful when learning about other cultures
- Share positive stories and accurate facts about India
- Learn a few Indian languages or greet someone in Hindi or another language