Question 19GS2GS2

India is uniquely positioned on the world stage for its rich culture. In this context, discuss the role of culture, diaspora, and democracy as instruments of India's soft power diplomacy. To what extent has India been able to position itself as a 'smart power'?

Main Body

"Democracy, diversity and demography is the strength of India" - PM on Aug 15. This points to the unique position of India in the world. Role of culture, diaspora and democracy as soft power: (1) Expansion of Indian culture ensued in varied countries like Turkey, Pakistan - three central Asian country to do so. (2) India's culture of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" highlighted in various summits and commitments. (3) Recent G20 summit - "One life one earth, one planet".

Diaspora: (1) Influencing inter-national deals. (2) India's nuclear deal with USA. (3) Promoting to the expansion of Indian culture abroad. (4) Indian festivals celebrated in foreign countries. Democracy: (1) India's commitment to democracy makes it a reliable nation. (2) QUAD, group of democratic nation. (3) Cooperation with like-minded nations. Example: China and Pakistan (bilateral support). However, USA has termed India to be only "partially democratic" which points to repeated diversion in use of these powers as strength.

India positioning itself as 'smart power': Stress: (1) Using soft power along with hard ones in international channels. (2) India's presidency in UNSC - promoting values of multi-territorialism of organisation. Against Taliban, why through committees. (3) Using these values in other organisations. (4) Promoting common culture between all. However, it has failed in using the soft power as much as USA and South Korea are using today.

— Nausheen · AIR 9

221 words1 paragraphs

Conclusion

However, it has failed in using the soft power as much as USA and South Korea are using today.

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Topper

Nausheen

AIR 92023

Subject & Paper

GS2GS2

Topic

Effect of Policies of Developed/Developing Countries and Indian Diaspora

International Relations

India's Soft Power and Diplomacy

Writing Stats

240

Total words

Paragraphs

Linked PYQ

5. Read the given poem critically and answer all the questions that follow : 10×5=50 Myself I have to live with myself and so I want to be fit for myself to know. I want to be able as days go by, always to look myself straight in the eye; I don't want to stand with the setting sun and hate myself for the things I have done. I don't want to keep on a closet shelf a lot of secrets about myself and fool myself as I come and go into thinking no one else will ever know the kind of person I really am, I don't want to dress up myself in sham. I want to go out with my head erect I want to deserve all men's respect; but here in the struggle for fame and wealth I want to be able to like myself. I don't want to look at myself and know that I am bluster and bluff and empty show. I never can hide myself from me; I see what others may never see; I know what others may never know, I never can fool myself and so, whatever happens I want to be self respecting and conscience free. (a) What is the main message or moral lesson of the poem? How does the speaker emphasize this throughout the poem? (b) How does the speaker define self-respect, and why is it so important to him? (c) How does the poet use repetition to emphasize key ideas of the poem? (d) Which lines stand out the most to you, and why? How do they contribute to the overall theme of the poem? (e) How would you relate the message of this poem to modern society, especially in a world influenced by social media or public image?

50M2025Read critically