Soft Power and the Rise of India: Global Implications of Narendra Modi’s Foreign Policy

Narendra Modi reoriented the foreign policy of India by foregrounding cultural diplomacy, civilisational heritage, and diaspora outreach as some of the major strategic tools for global influence. Advocating upon Joseph Nye's concept of soft power, this article will try to examine how elements like yoga, vaccine diplomacy, and cultural symbolism have magnified the global visibility of our country, India. The cultivation of soft power in Indian foreign policy, as adopted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also reflects a significant shift in strategic autonomy and multilateral participation. The article concludes that, to understand India's rise in present-day international relations, we must recognise the significant focus on Modi's sustained emphasis on soft power as a foundational pillar of Indian foreign diplomacy.