How can India better utilize soft power globally
Introduction:
- India’s economic growth is regarded as both admirable and envied, particularly in the last ten years. The fastest-growing big economy in the world is headed for threerd place in the rankings by the end of the decade and the five trillion dollar threshold, despite the slowdown in global growth.
Growth-promoting factors:
- The basis for a spectacular change is a combination of a sizable domestic market, ongoing reforms, and advantageous demographics, with the stated goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
The country’s “soft power” is developing quickly:
- In a challenging geopolitical climate, a successful G20 Presidency established high expectations and produced a joint declaration, but India’s recent performance in a number of sporting events has also been cause for pride.
- Leading international governments are attempting to negotiate free trade agreements (FTAs) with us, but in the meantime, our films—not just those from Bollywood—are grabbing audiences’ attention. Similar to how World Yoga Day is an homage to our traditions that are still important today, the Quad and Indo-Pacific Economic Forum (IPEF) aim to advance our national security and economic objectives.
It’s not only cricket anymore:
- In our country, sports used to mostly refer to cricket. However, these days, in addition to the Indian Premier League (IPL), other major sports leagues with significant funding and viewership include the Hockey India League, Pro Kabaddi League, Premier Badminton League, and Indian Super League (football).
- The national and state governments have made significant investments in sports facilities and have encouraged and supported athletes to compete for medals internationally. It was unimaginable only a few years ago that Neeraj Chopra would win the nation’s first gold medal in athletics at an Olympic Games with his incredible javelin throw feat. In an effort to highlight its ascent, India is now seriously considering submitting a proposal to host the biggest athletic event in the world.
The film industry:
- India has one of the oldest film industries in the world and makes the most films, many of which are of the highest calibre.
- Cultural exports have brought our stories into homes all over the world and will act as a bridge to link various perspectives across societies. One example is “Naatu Naatu” from RRR (2022), which is the first Indian movie song to win an Oscar.
Yoga and the Movement for the Environment:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed International Yoga Day to the UN General Assembly early in his first term. “Yoga is an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition,” he declared. A sense of unity with nature, the world, and oneself is what matters more than physical activity. 193 countries accepted the plan, and on June 21st of each year, yoga is the main event.
- Then, during COP26 in Glasgow, our Prime Minister presented the idea of “Lifestyle for the Environment” (LiFE), urging people all over the world to launch a global campaign to save the environment.
- As we assume a leading position on the international scene, India has gained great credibility by keeping its end of several promises made in relation to combating climate change.
Way Forward:
- India has become the voice of the Global South with its robust advocacy for equitable solutions and active engagement in international forums. Other countries can learn a great deal from our experience in solving developmental issues with technology innovations, such digital public infrastructure.
- India is now regarded as a voice of reason, even as we adamantly defend our interests as a nation and influence global policy on matters like resilient supply chains, sustainability, and energy security.
