With discussions spanning from reforming the UN to navigating complex geopolitical dynamics, the Dialogue underscores India's strategic importance
Think tanks play a pivotal role in the policymaking and implementation of these policies. In India, though the Prime Minister and the government officials articulate policies, it's the intellectual prowess of these institutions that shapes India’s cultural diplomacy landscape. Their influence in shaping foreign policy is increasingly recognised, with India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) leveraging their expertise to advance Indian interests on the global stage. A prime example of this collaborative effort is evident in the annual Raisina Dialogue, a prestigious forum jointly organized by the MEA and the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), which serves as a platform for global leaders to address pressing issues facing the international community. Around 2500 participants from 115 countries took part in the recent edition of Raisina Dialogue this year. Under the theme 'Chaturanga: Conflict, Contest, Cooperate, Create,' the dialogue provided a platform to discuss the evolving dynamics of the global landscape.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's call for reforms in the United Nations and Security Council to better reflect the contemporary world order was a significant highlight of the dialogue. This emphasised India's push for a more inclusive global governance system that acknowledges the rise of new global powers.
The discussions at the Raisina Dialogue delved into the complex geopolitical dynamics involving Russia. India advocated for a balanced approach that provides Russia with multiple options beyond aligning closely with China. This stance, amidst differing views from Western countries, reflects India's strategic positioning as a 'middle power' capable of navigating between competing global interests. Additionally, discussions on cultural rebalancing and challenging skewed narratives demonstrated India's commitment to promoting fairer representation in global diplomacy and challenging the status quo.
The significance of the Raisina Dialogue lies not only in its high-profile participants but also in its ability to generate discourse that transcends traditional diplomatic channels. Through multilateral conferences and facilitated dialogues, think tanks like ORF play a crucial role in bringing together stakeholders from like-minded states to devise solutions to common challenges. The Raisina Dialogue showcased India’s prominence in shaping the future world order and its assertiveness on a global level.
The Raisina Dialogue, often compared to Singapore's Shangri-La Dialogue, attracts distinguished participants from various fields, including politics, defence, diplomacy, academia, and journalism. Over the years, it has witnessed the participation of eminent figures such as former Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This year's event, held in New Delhi, featured panels addressing critical topics, including discussions on the Indo-Pacific security framework, showcasing India's commitment to regional stability and cooperation. At the Raisina Dialogue, these think tanks present insights on how India's cultural diplomacy can foster mutual understanding and respect among nations. They offer recommendations on leveraging cultural heritage, soft power assets, and digital platforms to enhance India's global influence.
At its core, the Raisina Dialogue serves as a testament to the growing importance of think tanks in shaping international relations and cultural diplomacy. By providing an informal space for the exchange of ideas between states, these dialogues foster dialogue and cooperation on a wide range of issues, from security and defence to trade and climate change.
Moreover, think tanks have a long history of influencing foreign policy and diplomacy, dating back to the Cold War era. For example, initiatives like the Dartmouth Conference and the Neemrana Dialogue paved the way for unofficial dialogues between adversaries, leading to confidence-building measures and cooperation on critical issues. Similarly, the Raisina Dialogue has become a platform for India to assert its role in the Indo-Pacific region and engage with stakeholders on a new security framework.
Think tanks like the Observer Research Foundation, India Foundation, and Vivekananda International Foundation are at the forefront of formulating policies that project India's cultural heritage and values on the global stage. Through research, analysis, and strategic recommendations, they facilitate dialogue and cooperation between India and other nations. The prominence of Indian think tanks in cultural diplomacy has surged in recent years. Institutions like India Foundation and Vivekananda International Foundation have stepped up, providing innovative solutions and policy frameworks for cultural exchange programmes, educational initiatives, and people-to-people connections.
Furthermore, think tanks collaborate with universities and academic institutions to deepen cultural ties through educational exchanges, research partnerships, and language programs. By engaging with diverse stakeholders, including civil society, diaspora communities, and international organisations, they amplify India's cultural narrative and promote intercultural dialogue.
Through their research and advocacy efforts, they contribute to shaping a vibrant and inclusive cultural diplomacy agenda for India. Not only do they play a crucial role in promoting cross-cultural understanding, but they also help in countering cultural stereotypes related to India in the West. By highlighting India's rich diversity and pluralistic ethos, they challenge misconceptions and foster a more nuanced appreciation of Indian culture and society.
(The writer is an associate professor, views are personal)
