Indian Public Diplomacy and Soft Power: Historical Development and Conceptual Framework
Author(s): Vibhav Chandra Sharma and Abhishek Mishra
Abstract: Public diplomacy, which is closely linked to soft power, has emerged as a crucial tool of contemporary foreign policy. India's lengthy civilizational history, democratic values, cultural diversity, and growing worldwide influence make it a unique instance. This study looks at how Indian public diplomacy has changed throughout time, from antiquity to the modern digital age, and places it within Joseph S. Nye's conceptual framework of soft power. The paper contends that although India's public diplomacy has its roots in moral and civilizational traditions, it has progressively developed into a more structured, strategic, and technologically advanced activity that is in line with the country's foreign policy goals. The paper also discusses the challenges and limitations of India’s public diplomacy in a complex global environment.
Vibhav Chandra Sharma, Abhishek Mishra. Indian Public Diplomacy and Soft Power: Historical Development and Conceptual Framework. Int J Political Sci Governance 2025;7(12):364-367. DOI: 10.33545/26646021.2025.v7.i12e.814
