https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=Soft_power_of_India_in_AfricaSoft power of India in Africa - Revision history2026-08-29T04:27:52ZRevision history for this page on the wikiMediaWiki 1.43.6https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Soft_power_of_India_in_Africa&diff=536481&oldid=prevJina m. butchart: Adding A Details More To Come2025-11-27T18:42:11Z<p>Adding A Details More To Come</p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>{{Short description|none}}<br />
{{AI-generated|date=August 2025}}<br />
<br />
In response to the limitations of [[hard power]], some countries, including India, have increasingly incorporated [[soft power]] into their foreign policy, particularly in relations with developing nations.<ref>Muhidin J. Shangwe, "India's Soft Power in East Africa: Opportunities and Challenges," published online by Cambridge University Press, [https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/indias-development-diplomacy-and-soft-power-in-africa/indias-soft-power-in-east-africa-opportunities-and-challenges/B83E6DC26CAF8F211F7A9F4B52263102 Published online: 26 May 2022].</ref> In 1950, Indian Prime Minister [[Jawaharlal Nehru]] advocated for the integration of the [[Indian diaspora in Africa|Indian diaspora into African nations]]; however, in the 1990s, following the end of the [[Cold War]], India's foreign policy underwent a fundamental reassessment of the diaspora's role, utilizing these expatriate communities as a key element of soft power to elevate its global image.<ref>Abdessalam Jaldi, "The Indian Diaspora in Africa: An Instrument of New Delhi’s Soft Power in the Continent," [https://www.policycenter.ma/opinion/indian-diaspora-africa-instrument-new-delhi-soft-power-continent Published: October 12, 2021].</ref><br />
<br />
== Indian cinema ==<br />
Since the early 20th century, Indian films have helped communities, especially in Africa, connect with their culture, offering insights into social values, fashion, and food at a time when travel to India was expensive. Scholars like Daya Kishan Thussu and [[Shashi Tharoor]] discuss Indian cinema as a form of 'soft power,' using culture to engage with international audiences. This approach has been used in India's foreign policy to strengthen ties with African countries and share Indian culture.<ref>Shehina Fazal, "The ‘Soft Power’ of Indian Cinema in Africa," [https://www.awaazmagazine.com/volume-20/issue-2-volume-20/the-soft-power-of-indian-cinema-in-africa Published online].</ref><br />
<br />
== The Indian diaspora in Africa ==<br />
Between 1829 and 1924, around 769,437 Indians migrated to Mauritius, South Africa, Reunion, Seychelles, and East Africa. Today, the Indian diaspora spans 46 African countries, representing 12.48% of India's total diaspora population. The widespread presence of the Indian diaspora in Africa has played a role in shaping India's influence in the region.<ref>Rajneesh Gupta, "Indian Diaspora in Africa: Historical Roots and Current Strength," {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20170226101415/http://grfdt.com/PublicationDetails.aspx?Type=Articles&TabId=1033 Published online]}}.</ref><br />
<br />
From 2002 to 2012, around $64 billion in investment flowed from Africa to India, with Mauritius—a nation with over 60% of its population of Indian descent—being the largest direct investor in India due to its favorable tax legislation and strong ties to the Indian diaspora. Indian-origin professionals hold important decision-making positions in African governments and businesses, such as [[Pravin Gordhan]] in South Africa and [[Navin Ramgoolam|Navinchandra Ramgoolam]] in Mauritius, illustrating the involvement of the diaspora in New Delhi's African policy and bilateral relations.<ref>Abdessalam Jaldi, "The Indian Diaspora in Africa: An Instrument of New Delhi’s Soft Power in the Continent," [https://www.policycenter.ma/opinion/indian-diaspora-africa-instrument-new-delhi-soft-power-continent Published online: October 12, 2021].</ref><br />
<br />
== Cultural diplomacy ==<br />
<br />
[[File:Mazoezi ya yoga.jpg|thumb|This image shows a woman practicing Gorakshasana in a garden, highlighting the practice of [[Yoga]] in Africa.]]<br />
<br />
India's cultural heritage includes traditional medicine, such as Ayurveda and yoga, which are practiced in various countries.<ref>Sh. Kiren Rijiju, "Promoting Ayush Practice in the International Sphere," Press Information Bureau, Government of India, February 9, 2021, [https://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1696430](https://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1696430).</ref><br />
<br />
India's soft power includes the global promotion of [[Yoga]], reflecting its cultural heritage and contributing to international relations. The establishment of International Day of Yoga by the UN highlights Yoga's role in India's cultural diplomacy efforts. Yoga has been used in India's cultural diplomacy and recognized in both regional and international contexts.<ref>Amb (Retd) Bhaswati Mukherjee, "India's Culture Diplomacy and Soft Power," Ministry of External Affairs, https://www.mea.gov.in/distinguished-lectures-detail.htm?855, October 18, 2019.</ref><br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
* [[Africa–India relations]]<br />
* [[Cultural diplomacy]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Power (social and political) theories]]<br />
[[Category:Foreign relations of India]]<br />
[[Category:Cultural diplomacy]]</div>Jina m. butchart