Context: Nepal, the birthplace of Siddhartha Shakya, known as the Buddha, holds immense historical and cultural significance for Buddhists worldwide. However, despite this rich heritage, Nepal's role in global Buddhist congregations has been limited. This article explores the growing influence of India and China, two emerging superpowers, in defining the future of Buddhism and their utilization of Buddhism as a tool of soft power.
India's Approach to Buddhism
- India is the place where Buddha attained his Nirvana and also popularised Buddhism. Hence, many religious sites associated with Buddhism in India are sacred for Buddhist across the globe.
- India has long claimed Buddhism as an integral part of its cultural identity. The country sees Buddhism as a symbol of peace and tranquillity, especially during its tumultuous formation as a Republic, marked by religious divisions between Hinduism and Islam.
- India has utilized Buddhist symbolism, such as the Ashoka Pillar and the wheel on the flag, to escape difficult times and promote harmony.
- Also, India's recently hosted a two-day global Buddhist summit in New Delhi, organized by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation.
China's Soft Power Strategy
- China's growing political and economic power has led to a multifaceted approach to promote Chinese Buddhism as a tool of soft power.
- With a vast Buddhist population and numerous monasteries and temples, China sees Buddhism as an important aspect of its cultural diplomacy.
- China's focus on Nepal as a source of Buddhism, alongside its infrastructure investments in Buddhist countries, demonstrates the country's intent to harness Buddhism's power for national integration and as a soft power tool.
Let us understand the significance of the Global Buddhist Summit
- The summit, which took place in April, witnessed the participation of prominent figures from the global Buddhist community, including the Dalai Lama.
- By organizing this high-profile event, India seized a valuable opportunity to project itself and connect with the Buddhist population worldwide, thereby bolstering its soft power.
Understanding Soft Power Diplomacy
- Soft power diplomacy refers to the use of cultural, social, and economic means to influence other countries' attitudes and behaviours, without resorting to coercion or economic pressure. It aims to build relationships and shape international discourse through avenues such as cultural exchanges, educational programs, and public diplomacy campaigns.
- India's Buddhist heritage plays a pivotal role in its soft power diplomacy strategy.
Significance of Buddhism for India's Foreign Relations
- Historical and Cultural Ties: India's deep-rooted cultural and historical connections with Buddhism strengthen its soft power diplomacy with Buddhist countries like Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
- Promoting Religious Harmony: As the birthplace of Buddhism, India can leverage its Buddhist heritage and teachings to engage with countries like China, which has a substantial Buddhist population, fostering dialogue and understanding between the two nations.
- Economic Benefits: India's possession of seven out of the world's eight most significant Buddhist sites provides economic opportunities. The development of the Buddhist Circuit, a tourist trail connecting these sites, contributes to the nation's soft power diplomacy efforts.
- Pan-Asian Presence: With 97% of the global Buddhist population residing in Asia, Buddhism holds intrinsic value for countries such as Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, and Sri Lanka, shaping their national values and identity.
India's Efforts in Buddhist Diplomacy
- Focusing on promoting tourism through the development of the Buddhist tourist circuit.
- Prime Minister made it a priority to visit Buddhist sites during his Southeast and East Asian visits.
- Alternative Approach to Global Politics:
- The statement by Prime Minister, "India has not given 'Yuddha' to the world but 'Buddha'," reflects India's aspiration to provide an alternative to contentious global politics, with morality as a guiding principle.
- The theme of the Delhi summit, "Responses to Contemporary Challenges: Philosophy to Praxis," aligns with this objective.
Challenges
- China factor:
- China's attempt to control the appointment of the next Dalai Lama poses a challenge to India's soft power projection.
- China's investment in the Gautam Buddha International Airport in Nepal, viewed by India as a Chinese project.
- Geopolitical wrangling over Nepal's Buddhist sites risks turning them into mere attractions, devoid of their historical and spiritual essence.
- India's promotion of Tibetan Buddhism and the exclusion of Nepal and other Buddhist nations from forums like the Global Buddhist Summit may serve geopolitical interests rather than a genuine commitment to Buddhism's essence.
Way forward
- India should continue promoting Buddhism at the highest levels of government and organize cultural events to showcase its rich Buddhist history.
- Collaboration with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and strengthening ties with Buddhist institutions and leaders worldwide would be beneficial.
- Furthermore, leveraging Bollywood's reach to promote India's Buddhist heritage and utilizing cultural meetings during India's G-20 presidency can amplify Buddhist diplomacy on a global scale.
- Increase investments, such as construction of the India International Centre for Buddhist Culture in Lumbini.