Foreign Policy Contours of India: An Analysis of Soft Power Diplomacy in South Asia Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi

AbstractThe perception of soft power has grown significantly in foreign policy analysis recently. India’s endurance as the largest democratic republic in South Asia enhances the scope for soft power diplomacy. This region has always been India’s priority based on its Neighbourhood First Policy. The successive governments in India have always wished for a peaceful South Asia; for this, the leaders in India have formulated several foreign policy initiatives. Indian soft power diplomacy in its immediate neighbourhood is vital for being connected through civilisations, cultures, common history, religions, and languages. Despite this, several wars, border disputes, terrorism, trust deficits, and big brother feelings among the small neighbouring countries have affected India’s soft power diplomacy in South Asia. Moreover, India has not built productive partnerships and has failed to implement its policies in the region, which has also affected SAARC. This paper attempts to explore the prospects and problems of the soft power engagements of the country in the South Asian region. It also seeks to analyse India’s aid, scholarship, and cultural diplomacy within the region under its Neighbourhood First Policy.