India’s Soft Power Diplomacy during the Modi Era: A Strategic Reimagining of Global Influence

Abstract

This essay takes a critical look at how India’s soft power diplomacy has changed under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. It looks at how culture stories, civilizational heritage, and policy mechanisms have been reimagined strategically to increase India’s global influence. The study uses Joseph Nye’s idea of “soft power” as a framework to look at how India’s civilizational ethos—shown through yoga, Ayurveda, Buddhism, cinema, literature, and the diaspora—has been used as a diplomatic tool to show the world that India is a morally strong and culturally rich country. Modi’s vision, which includes the assertion of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and the goal for India to become a Vishwaguru (world master), changes soft power from a passive cultural asset to a strong tool for foreign policy. The study looks at important programs like the International Day of Yoga, diaspora diplomacy, and cultural outreach programs. It also looks at the institutions that make soft power possible, like the Ministry of External Affairs, the ICCR, and strategic messaging led by the PMO. India has done a great job of making its culture more well-known and emotionally powerful around the world. However, the study also looks at the problems of internal cohesion, policy consistency, and how the world sees India, especially in light of worries about democratic backsliding and majoritarian nationalism. The paper comes to the conclusion that Modi’s soft power policy in India is both a symbolic and practical attempt to create a new story of global leadership that is deeply rooted in tradition while also strategically aligned with modern geopolitical goals.