India’s Use of Yoga in Diplomacy

Abstract

Yoga, broadly popular in the West, is one of India’s most ubiquitous cultural exports and has been increasingly utilized by India in its diplomatic efforts to advance its foreign policy goals. India is considered to have extensive soft power owing to its pluralistic culture, long democratic history, and its leadership in the Global South. Drawing on yoga as an instrument of soft power allows India to portray itself as embodying a deep historical wisdom, and the values of unity, harmony, and peace. India’s yoga diplomacy includes: the promotion of yoga and yoga events; yoga as cultural exchange; yoga education and tourism; and yoga as healthcare. Ultimately, however, India has struggled to translate its links to yoga to a perception of it as a power defined by peace and unity, perhaps as evidence shows that there is no clear strategic thrust behind the use of yoga in diplomacy. In addition, contradictions presented by its domestic political challenges have meant that in terms of creating an image of legitimacy and moral authority India falls short.