Using Buddhism as a tool of soft power
Introduction:
- India’s historical and cultural ties to Buddhism can support its soft power diplomacy with Southeast Asian nations as well as its neighbours Nepal, Bhutan, and China.
Diplomacy using soft power:
- The capacity to influence others without using force or money is known as soft power. Soft power diplomacy, as opposed to depending primarily on military or economic coercion, refers to the use of cultural, social, and economic tools to influence the attitudes and actions of other countries.
- Joseph Nye first used the term “soft power” in the 1990s.
- Cultural exchanges, educational initiatives, humanitarian aid, and public diplomacy campaigns are a few examples of soft power diplomacy.
Hinduism in India:
- During the establishment of the Republic, a time of intense violence and conflict between the nation’s two main religions, Hinduism and Islam, Buddhism gave India a sense of serenity and tranquilly.
- Whether it’s the Ashoka Pillar or the wheel in the flag, using Buddhist symbolism has been a way to get through difficult times. The inscriptions on the structure built by King Ashoka also provide proof of the Buddha’s life and teachings.
- India likes to claim Buddhism as their own due to such usage and supporting documentation. In order to irritate China, it organised the Global Buddhist Summit in April and promoted Tibetan Buddhism and the Dalai Lama.
- The International Buddhist Confederation, an Indian-based Buddhist organisation, served as the summit’s host.
- In Lumbini, Nepal, the India International Centre for Buddhist Culture and Heritage will soon open. In May 2022, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the cornerstone. Little has been accomplished in the construction of this centre in the past year.
- By limiting conversations with the keepers of tradition and the greater Buddhist community, India is asserting its dominance over Buddhism, which will only irritate China.
India’s Buddhist soft power diplomacy:
- Restoration and international worth: Buddhism’s potential value in foreign policy derives in great part from how the faith was restored in the years following World War II.
- Pan-Asian presence: The Asian continent is now home to 97% of all Buddhists in the world. Buddhism lends itself nicely to soft-power diplomacy since it places a strong focus on peaceful coexistence and has a significant pan-Asian following.
- Diplomacy: India’s Prime Minister has made a concerted effort to highlight shared Buddhist roots in remarks given during official overseas visits to places like Sri Lanka and China, among others.
- Seven of the eight most important Buddhist sites in the world are currently located in India. A variety of cross-border tourist routes are being promoted by the tourism ministry.
- Buddhist Circuit refers to the sacred locations where Lord Buddha was born, educated, preached, and obtained “Enlightenment” and “Nirvana.”
- International conferences have been hosted, and councils have been established to enable communication between members across sectarian and national lines.
Conclusion:
- Buddha was the first peace diplomat, so Indian diplomacy on the international scale can be led by his teachings of harmony and collaboration. India can improve its reputation as a responsible global power committed to international peace and stability by promoting Buddhism, which will help develop links with the Buddhist community worldwide.
