Kayesha Jain
Intern at IFPD
India has been rapidly embracing digital diplomacy to shape its global image. It is harnessing social media, digital platforms, and slick tech to connect with folks worldwide and push its narrative. Through smart online engagement and the awesome cultural heritage, India is totally redefining diplomatic outreach for the digital age. It’s exciting to see India play this game so well!
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) pioneers the use of social media platforms, such as Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, to present a vibrant, diverse, and forward-looking image. Initiatives like the “#AsktheSpokesperson” on Twitter demystifies Indian foreign policy, allowing ordinary citizens worldwide to interact with policymakers, thus promoting transparency and inclusivity.
India’s also killer at using these channels to showcase its unique culture, economic wins, and tech prowess. Remember the G20 Presidency? Digital campaigns lit up with cultural motifs and philosophies like “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The World is One Family). Bollywood streaming on global platforms, virtual exhibitions, and online heritage tours are taking Indian culture everywhere, making it accessible and super relatable across continents.
India’s digital diplomacy also mobilizes its vast overseas diaspora by fostering unity and pride. Diaspora communities, exposed to digital narratives, act as informal ambassadors, amplifying India’s message internationally. Digital platforms lower the barriers for non-state actors,including experts, students, and businesspersons, to join diplomatic conversations, further democratizing India’s global engagement.
Digital diplomacy sits right at the crossroads of tech and soft power. It gives India leverage to reframe its image, smack down misinformation, and build inclusive ties worldwide. As India keeps innovating and growing its digital footprint, its power to shape global perceptions just gets stronger.
References
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https://sspconline.org/opinion-analysis/riding-technological-wave-indias-digital-diplomacy-and-global-engagements
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https://www.mea.gov.in/Uploads/PublicationDocs/29120_MEAs_Digital_Diplomacy_Footprint.pdf
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https://sleepyclasses.com/indias-soft-power/
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https://www.sriramsias.com/upsc-daily-current-affairs/indias-digital-diplomacy-simplifier/
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Digital Diplomacy Paves Road to Internationalizing DPIs
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https://esanad.nic.in
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https://www.icwa.in/show_content.php?lang=1&level=3&ls_id=10333&lid=6588
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https://orcasia.org/article/722/indias-soft-push-for-power-in-south-asia
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https://uscpublicdiplomacy.org/pdin_monitor_article/india-inside-out-case-study-indian-public-diplomacy
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India’s Use of Social Media in Public Diplomacy