Mains Practice Questions

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Introduction

India’s swift response to the 2024 Myanmar earthquake through Operation Brahma reflects how soft power anchors its Neighbourhood First Policy. As a tool rooted in culture, humanitarian aid, and development partnerships, it strengthens India’s image as a reliable and empathetic regional leader.

Body

Soft power as a key pillar of the Neighbourhood First Policy:

• Cultural and Civilizational Diplomacy: India promotes shared heritage through Buddhist diplomacy, temple restoration projects, and events like International Day of Yoga in Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan.
• Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief: India led initiatives like Vaccine Maitri during COVID-19 and Operation Brahma in Myanmar, positioning itself as a first responder and dependable neighbour.
• Development Cooperation: India’s grants and infrastructure projects, such as the Greater Malé Connectivity Project (Maldives) and Salma Dam (Afghanistan), foster regional goodwill.
• Education and Capacity Building: Training under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme and Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarships build long-term people-to-people ties.
• Energy and Connectivity Diplomacy: Projects like cross-border electricity trade with Nepal and Bangladesh enhance regional interdependence and prosperity.
• Guiding Values – The Five S Principles: India's outreach is guided by Samman (respect), Samvad (dialogue), Shanti (peace), Samriddhi (prosperity), and Sanskriti (culture), fostering a values-based regional approach.

Effectiveness of India’s soft power amid geopolitical challenges:

• Credibility as a Humanitarian Power: India's swift aid to Sri Lanka (USD 4 billion in 2022) and Myanmar reflects strategic empathy in action.
• Counter to China's Assertiveness: India’s non-coercive model offers a compelling alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and debt diplomacy.
• Challenges Persist: Delays in project execution (e.g., in Maldives), unresolved disputes (e.g., Teesta water issue with Bangladesh), and perceptions of hegemonic behaviour (e.g., Nepal blockade) dilute soft power gains.
• Democratic Credibility and Institutional Trust: Despite setbacks, India’s democratic ethos, linguistic ties, and institutional trust offer a deeper regional connect than transactional diplomacy.

Conclusion

India’s Neighbourhood First Policy, grounded in cultural respect and peaceful engagement, leverages soft power as a unifying force. Despite geopolitical and implementation challenges, India’s inclusive, value-based approach positions it as a trusted and enduring partner in South Asia.