Why in News?
India recently hosted a two-day global Buddhist summit in New Delhi, organized by the Ministry of Culture and the International Buddhist Confederation, with participation from influential personalities including the Dalai Lama. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the continued relevance of Buddha's teachings, presenting India's soft power to the global Buddhist community and enhancing its engagement.  
Besides, recognising the Dalai Lama’s contributions, proposals are being made that he must be conferred the Bharat Ratna as soon as possible.

Definitions:
•  Soft Power: Soft power, as defined by political theorist Joseph Nye and the Indian External Affairs ministry, is the capacity to achieve desired outcomes by appealing and attracting others rather than using coercion. It is the ability of a country to impact global relationships without using force, instead influence by using components such as cultural, historical, and diplomatic factors.
• Buddhist Diplomacy: It refers to the application of Buddhist principles and teachings in the area of international relations and diplomacy. It involves promoting peace, compassion, and non- violence as guiding principles in resolving conflicts and encourage understanding between nations. Buddhist diplomacy emphasizes mutual respect, dialogue, and the cultivation of inner qualities for effective engagement in global affairs.
• Cultural Diplomacy: It refers to the application of cultural elements, such as art and culture, language, heritage, and traditions, to foster understanding, build relationships, and promote cooperation among nations. It encompasses the exchange of cultural expressions, ideas, and values to enhance mutual appreciation and create avenues for dialogue.

India’s Buddhist Diplomacy - Guiding Principles and its significance  
1.         Historical and Cultural Ties
•   Panchamrit Principles: India's guiding principle of "Sanskriti Evam Sabhyata" emphasizes the importance of cultural and civilizational links, which were highlighted during the Delhi summit where a diverse group of foreign delegates from Buddhist nations gathered.
•   Deep-rooted Historical Connections: India's Buddhism diplomacy is based on its profound historical and cultural links to the region, as Buddhism originated in India and spread across Asia, establishing enduring connections.
•   Promoting Regional Stability: By leveraging its historical and cultural ties, India aims to project itself as a responsible global power committed to peaceful cooperation and regional stability, fostering trust, dialogue, and development among nations in the region.
  
2.         Greater Understanding and Cooperation
• Bridging Nations: India's Buddhism diplomacy aims to promote greater understanding and cooperation between nations by encouraging dialogue and exchanges that facilitate the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and experiences.
• Shaping the Region's Future: India recognizes its unique role in shaping the future of the region and seeks to demonstrate this through Buddhism diplomacy, fostering peace, stability, and inclusive growth by promoting cooperation and understanding.
• Public Diplomacy through Buddhism: India acknowledges the significance of Buddhism as a powerful tool for conducting public diplomacy, leveraging its universal appeal to effectively communicate its values, principles, and aspirations to a global audience, enhancing its soft power and influence.
 
3.         Objectives and Significance
•  Leveraging Historical Legacy: India leverages its rich historical legacy as the birthplace of Buddhism to enhance its diplomatic endeavours, utilizing the profound historical and cultural connections to strengthen relations with other nations.
• Promoting India's Image as a Peaceful Power: India utilizes Buddhism diplomacy to strengthen its image as a peaceful power committed to cooperation and regional stability. This approach showcases India's dedication to fostering peace and understanding among nations.
• Strengthening Regional Cooperation: India emphasizes cultural and civilizational ties to foster greater understanding and cooperation among nations. By highlighting these shared connections, India creates an environment conducive to regional cooperation, development, and progress.
  
Soft Power Tools for India's Buddhist Diplomacy:
1.   Role of Culture
•   Cultural Diplomacy: India's rich cultural heritage serves as a powerful tool for expressing its Buddhist diplomacy abroad, fostering long-term international influence.
•   Promoting Buddhist Culture: Through cultural diplomacy, India showcases its Buddhist traditions, values, and artistic expressions to engage foreign audiences and create understanding and cooperation.
•   Historical Significance: India's cultural ties to Buddhism, as the birthplace of the faith, enhance its credibility and influence in shaping the discourse around Buddhist issues on the global stage.
  
2.   Role of Diaspora
•  Diaspora as Soft Power Asset: India's extensive and vibrant diaspora, comprising over 31 million individuals, including NRIs and PIOs, plays a significant role in promoting Buddhist diplomacy in their respective countries.
•  Engagement of the Indian Diaspora: Various programs, such as the Know India Programme, Pravasi Teerth Darshan Yojana, and Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children, actively involve the Indian diaspora in furthering India's Buddhist diplomacy and long-term interests.
•  Cultural Ties with the Diaspora: Strengthening cultural ties with the Indian diaspora through initiatives like promoting cultural exchange and celebrating events like Pravasi Bharatiya Divas enhances India's Buddhist diplomatic outreach.
  
3.  Role of Tourism
•  Buddhist Circuit and Pilgrimage: India's efforts to develop and promote the Buddhist Circuit and pilgrimage sites attract foreign tourists, showcasing its rich Buddhist heritage and contributing to its Buddhist diplomacy.
•  International Buddhist Conclave: Regular organization of the International Buddhist Conclave by the Government provides a platform for engaging with international participants and promoting Buddhist diplomacy.
•  Promotion of Buddhist Tourism: Initiatives like the 'Incredible India' campaign and marketing and promotion of Buddhist circuits in overseas markets under the Champion Sector Scheme highlight India's Buddhist tourism potential and attract visitors.
 
4.  Role of Other Soft Power Tools
• Parliamentary Democracy: India's vibrant parliamentary democracy, multiparty political system, and peaceful elections enhance its global standing and profile, reinforcing the credibility and influence of its Buddhist diplomacy.
•  Yoga: India's promotion of yoga, including the celebration of the International Day of Yoga, showcases its contribution to physical and mental well-being, further strengthening its Buddhist diplomatic efforts.
• Media and Cinema: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, through various platforms like Prasar Bharati and Bollywood, plays a prominent role in projecting India's soft power and cultural diplomacy, including its Buddhist diplomatic endeavours, to a global audience.
 
Key Reasons for the Rising Role of Buddhism in India’s Soft Power Strategy:
1.  Cultural Significance
•  Historical Legacy: Buddhism's historical roots in India make it an integral part of the country's cultural heritage. As a result, India emphasizes Buddhism in its soft power strategy to showcase its rich cultural legacy.
•  Shared Values and Beliefs: Buddhism promotes values of peace, compassion, and mindfulness that resonate with many nations worldwide. India leverages these shared values to connect with other countries and foster cultural understanding and cooperation.
•  Cultural Diplomacy: The rising role of Buddhism in India's soft power strategy allows the country to employ cultural diplomacy as a means of engaging and influencing other nations. By highlighting Buddhism, India strengthens cultural bonds and promotes its image globally.
 
2.  Global Appeal
• Universal Teachings: Buddhism's teachings, emphasizing peace and compassion, have a universal appeal that transcends borders. India's soft power strategy recognizes this global resonance and leverages Buddhism to project these universal values and attract international attention.
• Cultural Exchange and Dialogue: Buddhism provides a platform for cultural exchange and dialogue among nations. India's emphasis on Buddhism in its soft power strategy fosters cross- cultural understanding and enhances its influence through meaningful engagement with diverse global communities.
•  Mindfulness and Well-being: The growing popularity of mindfulness practices globally contributes to the rising role of Buddhism in India's soft power strategy. By promoting mindfulness and well-being through Buddhism, India positions itself as a leader in holistic wellness, enhancing its soft power and appeal.
 
3.  Regional Integration
• Historical and Cultural Connections: Buddhism serves as a cultural bridge between India and other countries in the region that share a Buddhist heritage. Emphasizing Buddhism in India's soft power strategy strengthens cultural ties, promoting regional integration and cooperation.
•  Peaceful Coexistence: India's soft power strategy aligns with the emphasis of Buddhism on non-violence and peaceful coexistence. By emphasizing Buddhism, India aims to position itself as a proponent of peace and stability in the region, fostering trust and strengthening diplomatic relations with other nations.
•  Economic and Touristic Opportunities: Buddhist heritage sites in India attract visitors from around the world, boosting tourism and generating economic growth. This enhances regional integration and strengthens people-to-people connections.
 
4.  Countering Protectionism and Promoting Openness
 • Facilitating Cultural Exchange: Buddhism's international appeal provides a platform for cultural exchange and mutual understanding. India leverages this cultural exchange to counter protectionist sentiments and promote openness among nations.
• Promoting Trade and Economic Cooperation: The rising role of Buddhism in India's soft power strategy also serves as an avenue for promoting trade and economic cooperation. By fostering cultural connections through Buddhism, India enhances economic ties with other nations, mitigating the effects of strict trade policies.
• Encouraging People-to-People Interactions: Buddhism serves as a catalyst for people-to- people interactions, creating opportunities for individuals from different nations to come together and engage in dialogue. These interactions promote understanding and counteract the negative impact of strict policies by fostering a sense of openness and mutual cooperation.

Efforts Made by the Indian Government in Promoting Buddhist Diplomacy:
1.  Development of the Buddhist tourist circuit: The government is investing in the development of the "Buddhist tourist circuit” which includes popular Buddhist pilgrimage sites like Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, and Kushinagar. This initiative focuses on enhancing tourism and cultural exchange around Buddhist heritage sites.
2. Preservation and restoration of Buddhist sites: The government is actively working to preserve and restore Buddhist sites across the country. These initiatives help in protecting the sites for the long term.
•  Example: The government has taken initiatives to preserve and protect Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra, ensuring that they remain accessible to visitors and scholars for generations to come.
3. Promotion of Buddhist culture and heritage: Cultural events, exhibitions, and festivals are organized to showcase the rich traditions and teachings of Buddhism. The annual International Buddhist Conclave organized by the Indian Government is an important example of promoting Buddhist culture. These initiatives help preserve and promote Buddhist culture and heritage.
4.  Strengthening ties with the global Buddhist community: The visit of the Indian Prime Minister to Buddhist-majority countries like Sri Lanka and Bhutan is a significant diplomatic gesture. Through such diplomatic engagements, India aims to establish stronger bonds with the global Buddhist community.
5. Support for Buddhist studies and research: The government provides resources and support to academic institutions and scholars engaged in the study and research of Buddhism. GoI supports the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies (CIHTS) in Sarnath, Varanasi. This support aims to deepen the understanding of Buddhist teachings and philosophy.
6. International Buddhist exchange programs: Initiatives are undertaken to facilitate exchanges between Buddhist organizations, scholars, and practitioners from India and other countries.
• Example: The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) organizes cultural exchange programs that allow international Buddhist delegates to visit India and engage in knowledge- sharing and cultural interactions.
7.  Cultural diplomacy through Buddhist art and artifacts: India promotes its rich Buddhist art and artifacts through exhibitions and cultural exchanges. The exhibition "The Buddhist Heritage of India" held in foreign countries showcases India's rich Buddhist art and artifacts. These efforts showcase the country's artistic heritage and contribute to the global appreciation of Buddhist art forms.
8. Scholarships and educational programs: The government offers scholarships and educational programs to students from Buddhist-majority countries. These initiatives enable them to study in Indian institutions, fostering cultural exchange and cooperation.

Challenges Associated with India's Buddhist Diplomacy:
1.  Cultural Challenges
• Preservation of Cultural Authenticity: Ensuring the preservation of the authentic teachings, practices, and heritage of Buddhism in the face of globalization and modern influences is a challenge for India's Buddhist diplomacy.
•  Cultural Misinterpretation: There is a risk of misinterpreting or misrepresenting Buddhist values and teachings, leading to misunderstandings and potential conflicts when promoting Buddhism as a soft power tool.
•  Language and Cultural Barriers: Language barriers and cultural differences between India and other countries can hinder effective communication and understanding of Buddhist diplomacy.
  
2.  Infrastructure Challenges
• Connectivity and Accessibility: Developing adequate transportation infrastructure, including roads, railways, and airports, to improve connectivity to Buddhist pilgrimage sites and promote Buddhist tourism poses a challenge.
• Development and Maintenance of Pilgrimage Sites: Ensuring the proper development, maintenance, and preservation of Buddhist pilgrimage sites require substantial investments in infrastructure and skilled manpower.
• Tourism Infrastructure and Services: Enhancing tourism infrastructure, including accommodations, visitor facilities, and quality services, to cater to the growing number of tourists visiting Buddhist sites is a continuous challenge.
  
3.         Socio-political Challenges
• Internal Diversity and Unity: India's diverse socio-cultural landscape presents challenges in maintaining unity and addressing internal divisions within the country, which can impact the effectiveness of Buddhist diplomacy.
• Domestic Priorities and Resource Allocation: Balancing the allocation of resources and attention between domestic priorities and Buddhist diplomacy initiatives can be a challenge, particularly in a developing country like India.
• Political Support and Consistency: Sustaining political support and consistency in policies related to Buddhist diplomacy across different governments and political transitions can pose a challenge.
  
4.  International Relations Challenges
•  Competition from Other Countries: Other countries, particularly in Asia, are also leveraging Buddhist diplomacy, leading to competition in attracting Buddhist tourists, establishing Buddhist centres, and influencing the discourse on Buddhism.
• China’s involvement: China is actively seeking to exert control over the appointment of the next Dalai Lama, which would be a blow to India’s efforts to project its soft power through Buddhism.
• Geostrategic Considerations: Balancing diplomatic relations with countries that have differing political interests and ideologies while promoting Buddhist diplomacy can pose challenges in maintaining a consistent approach.
•  Sensitivity to Local Cultural and Religious Contexts: Adapting Buddhist diplomacy to respect and navigate the sensitivities of different local cultures and religious beliefs can be a complex challenge, requiring nuanced approaches.

Way Forward/Suggestions to Improve India's Buddhist Philosophy:
1.   Promotion and Cultural Events
•  Promote Buddhism at Government Level: India should continue promoting Buddhism at the highest levels of government to enhance its Buddhist diplomacy.
• Cultural Showcasing: Organize cultural events that highlight the country's rich Buddhist history to create awareness and appreciation.
• Role of ICCR: The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) should play a significant role in organizing and promoting events such as global Buddhist summit within and outside India.

2.  Strengthening Ties
•  Engage with Buddhist Institutions: India should actively work to strengthen ties with key Buddhist institutions and leaders globally.
• Collaborative Partnerships: Foster partnerships and collaborations with renowned Buddhist organizations and scholars for mutual learning and exchange.
• Cultural Diplomacy: Utilize diplomatic channels to deepen engagement and dialogue with Buddhist countries to foster understanding and cooperation.
  
3.         Utilizing Bollywood
•  Promote Buddhist Heritage: Harness the influence and reach of Bollywood to promote India's Buddhist heritage through movies and entertainment.
•  Cinematic Narratives: Encourage the film industry to produce content that reflects the teachings, values, and history of Buddhism.  
•  Global Outreach: Use Bollywood as a platform to enhance the global perception and understanding of Buddhism.

4.  G-20 Presidency and Cultural Meetings
• Promote Buddhist Diplomacy: Leverage India's G-20 presidency to promote Buddhist diplomacy on a larger scale through cultural meetings.
• Highlight Buddhist Teachings: Emphasize the alignment between Buddhist teachings and the G-20 presidency motto of 'One Earth, One Family, One Future'.
• Strengthen International Cooperation: Use cultural meetings as opportunities to foster collaboration, exchange ideas, and build networks with participating countries.

Mains Practice question:
  Q. Soft power, in the post-Cold War era, is a crucial component of foreign policy, and India draws on its rich tradition and heritage to exercise it. Discuss