Soft power refers to the increasing role that attracts rather than forces others to get what it wants; this is highly relevant to Indian foreign policy during the 21st century, as illustrated here:

-Cultural Diplomacy: India deploys its cultural offerings, including yoga, Ayurveda, Bollywood films, and Indian classical music to create goodwill in other countries and to increase appreciation for them. For instance, International Yoga Day has reached the globe as a massive scale of India’s soft power.

-Economic Power: The growing economic power of India, based on its strong IT sector and growing international trade, is an added factor in its soft power. Aid programs, development assistance, and investments in developing countries add to the positive perception of India.

-Democratic Values: As the world’s largest democracy, India can promote democratic values and principles across the globe, especially in regions undergoing political transitions.

-Diaspora Engagement: The Indian diaspora in different countries around the world functions like an almighty network, augmenting Indian culture, values, and interests in respective countries.

Indian contribution to solving problems of global significance, such as climate change, poverty, and pandemics, brings a new meaning to being a responsible global citizen and thus helps in strengthening India’s soft power.

Examples of India’s Soft Power in Practice:

-Yoga Diplomacy: The International Day of Yoga became a global phenomenon in many ways, garnering millions of participants across the world and spreading Indian culture and values.
-Development Assistance: India’s various development assistance programs, such as the ITEC program, have benefited many developing nations for the mutual good of goodwill and cooperation.

-Cultural Festivals: The Indian government supports and hosts cultural festivals and activities worldwide, where it promotes the vastness of Indian arts, music, and dance before the rest of the world.

Soft power is a long game, however. It would be to negate all negative stories about India; solve all the internal problems such as poverty and inequality; and convey India’s values and aspirations to the rest of the world.