In the bustling heart of New York City, the lawn of the United Nations Headquarters recently echoed with the powerful chant of “Bharat Mata ki jai” – a rousing call to celebrate Mother India. Amidst this backdrop, the Indian Prime Minister led a remarkable display of cultural diplomacy, guiding a diverse gathering of over 180 nations in a synchronized yoga session. This grand event, held to commemorate the 9th International Yoga Day, served as a powerful testament to India’s rising soft power on the global stage.
Soft power, as defined by political scientist Joseph Nye, is the ability to shape the preferences of others through attraction and persuasion, rather than coercion. In an era where traditional hard power – military might and economic clout – is often insufficient to achieve lasting geopolitical influence, India has increasingly turned to the versatile tool of cultural diplomacy to amplify its global voice.
At the heart of this strategy lies the ancient practice of yoga, which has become India’s most captivating cultural export. From the serene meditation halls of Rishikesh to the bustling streets of New York, yoga has transcended its spiritual roots to emerge as a unifying force, bridging divides and fostering a shared sense of well-being across the world.
The Rise of Yoga Diplomacy
The journey of yoga’s global ascent can be traced back to the visionary efforts of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. In the 1950s, Nehru recognized the potential of cultural diplomacy and established the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) to showcase India’s rich civilizational heritage. While the early efforts remained modest, the liberalization of the Indian economy in the 1990s ignited a renewed interest in the country’s soft power assets, including yoga.
However, it was not until the arrival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014 that India’s yoga diplomacy truly gained momentum. Recognizing the immense untapped potential of this ancient practice, Modi set out to harness its transformative power to elevate India’s global influence.
One of Modi’s first major initiatives was to persuade the United Nations General Assembly to designate June 21 as International Yoga Day. This diplomatic triumph, achieved in 2014, was a testament to India’s growing soft power. The resolution was unanimously adopted, with 177 co-sponsoring nations – a remarkable feat of diplomatic maneuvering that showcased India’s ability to build consensus and leverage its cultural heritage for strategic gain.
Yoga as a Unifying Force
The celebration of International Yoga Day has since become a global phenomenon, transcending borders and bringing people together in a shared pursuit of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. The annual event, led by the Indian Prime Minister at the UN headquarters, has become a powerful symbol of India’s cultural diplomacy, attracting participation from world leaders, celebrities, and citizens alike.
“Yoga is free from patents, royalty payments, and copyrights,” Prime Minister Modi proudly proclaimed during the 2023 International Yoga Day celebrations at the UN. This statement encapsulates the inclusive and universal nature of the practice, which has found resonance across diverse cultures and communities worldwide.
By championing yoga as a gift to the world, India has positioned itself as a global thought leader, reclaiming its rightful place as a “vishwa guru” – a teacher to the world. This narrative not only celebrates India’s ancient wisdom but also presents the country as a benevolent provider of solutions to the world’s ailments, from physical and mental health to spiritual well-being.
Yoga Diplomacy in Action
India’s yoga diplomacy extends far beyond the annual celebrations at the United Nations. The country has actively leveraged this soft power asset to strengthen its bilateral and multilateral relationships, both in its immediate neighborhood and on the global stage.
In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, India’s timely and comprehensive response to the crisis, coupled with its generous distribution of life-saving medical supplies and the promotion of traditional wellness practices like yoga, have earned it widespread admiration and goodwill. As nations around the world grappled with the devastating impact of the pandemic, India’s “Yoga Diplomacy” emerged as a unifying force, offering a path towards holistic healing and resilience.
Prime Minister Modi has made it a priority to engage with the vast Indian diaspora, a community of over 25 million strong, spread across the political and economic capitals of the world. By delivering speeches in Hindi and appealing to their sense of cultural pride, Modi has sought to harness the soft power potential of the diaspora, encouraging them to serve as brand ambassadors for India and to catalyze foreign direct investment.
India’s yoga diplomacy has also found expression in its regional outreach, particularly within the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) framework. During the initial stages of the COVID-19 outbreak, Modi convened a virtual SAARC summit, where he proposed the creation of a COVID-19 Emergency Fund and the sharing of best practices, including the promotion of yoga and Ayurvedic medicine. This collaborative approach, rooted in India’s cultural and spiritual heritage, has helped strengthen regional ties and positioning the country as a responsible regional leader.
Leveraging India’s Soft Power Ecosystem
India’s soft power ecosystem extends beyond just yoga, encompassing a rich tapestry of cultural assets that the country has sought to harness for its diplomatic objectives. From the global appeal of Bollywood and Indian cuisine to the influential network of Indian intellectuals and public figures, India has carefully curated a diverse portfolio of soft power resources.
The country’s vibrant textile industry, with its centuries-old traditions and intricate designs, has also emerged as a powerful tool of cultural diplomacy. Indian fabrics and fashion have captivated global audiences, challenging stereotypes and showcasing the country’s rich artistic heritage.
Additionally, India’s philosophical and religious traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Ayurveda, have been strategically woven into its soft power narrative. Prime Minister Modi has actively promoted these ancient systems of knowledge, positioning India as a “vishwa guru” – a global teacher and a repository of timeless wisdom.
Overcoming Challenges and Charting the Way Forward
Despite the impressive strides made in India’s yoga diplomacy, the country has faced its fair share of challenges in translating its soft power potential into tangible geopolitical influence. The proliferation of misinformation and the perpetuation of stereotypes about India in global media have at times undermined the country’s efforts to craft a nuanced and sophisticated international image.
Moreover, India’s traditional diplomatic apparatus, with its relatively small and conservative foreign service, has struggled to keep pace with the rapidly evolving global landscape. The Modi government’s efforts to decentralize elements of India’s foreign policy, engaging directly with states, cities, and local bodies, have sought to address this limitation.
As India navigates the complex terrain of contemporary geopolitics, its yoga diplomacy has emerged as a powerful tool to project its soft power and shape global narratives. By leveraging the universal appeal of yoga and its deep-rooted cultural heritage, India is carving out a unique niche for itself on the world stage.
The success of India’s yoga diplomacy lies in its ability to transcend the traditional boundaries of statecraft and engage with diverse stakeholders, from world leaders to the global public. As the world continues to grapple with complex challenges, the timeless wisdom and holistic approach embodied by yoga may well prove to be India’s most valuable contribution to the global community.
From the serene yoga studios of Rishikesh to the bustling streets of New York, the gentle sway of the asanas and the deep breaths of meditation are weaving a tapestry of cultural diplomacy that is elevating India’s global influence. As the world embraces the transformative power of yoga, India’s status as a “vishwa guru” – a teacher to the world – continues to solidify, positioning the country as a beacon of soft power in the 21st century.
