UPSC Mains 2015 · GS II · Q20 · 12.5 marks · 200 words

Terrorist activities and mutual distrust have clouded India-Pakistan relations. To what extent the use of soft power like sports and cultural exchanges could help generate goodwill between the two countries? Discuss with suitable examples.

हिन्दी में

आतंकवादी गतिविधियों और परस्पर अविश्वास ने भारत-पाकिस्तान संबंधों को धूमिल बना दिया है। खेलों और सांस्कृतिक आदान-प्रदानों जैसी मृदु शक्ति किस सीमा तक दोनों देशों के बीच सद्भाव उत्पन्न करने में सहायक हो सकती है? उपयुक्त उदाहरणों के साथ चर्चा कीजिए।

Neighbourhood

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “Soft power has the potential to multiply the efforts of Indian diplomacy and in this regard should be pursued as an important objective. In this context, assess the extent to which it has been leveraged in Indian foreign policy.”

Kumud MishraAIR 69 · CSE 2024 · 150 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a restatement

India's foreign policy aims at maximizing its "core national interest" with the "soft power diplomacy".

Body · points

Potential of soft power to multiply efforts of Indian diplomacy:

(1) India has promoted the "soft power cooperation". Ex. Buddhist diplomacy with South East Asia.

(2) India leveraged its culture and traditions. Ex. Yoga, Ayurveda, Indian cinema, music.

(3) The "Diaspora diplomacy forms a key component". Ex. role in India-US civil nuclear deal, normalizing relations with Qatar, UAE.

(4) Helped in achieving global recognition. Ex. India as the leader and voice of Global South.

(5) It made India the leader of NAM and promoted cultural integration.

Challenges:

→ Limited soft power in neighbourhood Ex. Big brother image.

→ Inability to get its "rightful place in comity of nations", Ex. UNSC reforms.

→ Emerging global tensions

Close · a framework

Ex. USA vs Russia-China axis.

Thus, India should pursue its 'soft power' to achieve "One Earth, one family, one future".

How toppers approach this question, and more on its topic: open the question.

Toppers’ answers to other close questions

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2015, General Studies Paper II, Q20. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.