India's Soft Power Outreach Strategy: Cultivating Its Cultural Influence in Central Asia (The Case of Kazakhstan)

Aset Kakimzhanov; Sanjay Vedi; Dana Akhmedyanova

doi:10.52536/2788-5909.2023-1.05

Authors

Aset Kakimzhanov L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Kazakhstan Author
Sanjay Vedi Embassy of India, Kazakhstan Author
Dana Akhmedyanova L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Kazakhstan Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0233-8542

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52536/2788-5909.2023-1.05

Keywords:

soft power, India's soft power outreach strategy, smart power, cultural diplomacy, non-residential Indian influence

Abstract

This article stresses on India's Soft Power Outreach Strategy (SPOS) as a comprehensive plan that aims to increase its presence in the global arena and reinforce its position as a powerhouse country. SPOS focuses on enhancing the people-to-people connect through the tools like public diplomacy, cultural activities, educational and research collaborations, scholarships, tourism, developmental projects and so on. The article studies implementation of SPOS in Central Asia and attempts to bring about usefulness and effectiveness of soft power diplomacy in the context of Kazakhstan.

Author Biographies

Aset Kakimzhanov, L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Kazakhstan

PhD student at the L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University (Kazakhstan)
Sanjay Vedi, Embassy of India, Kazakhstan

Director, Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Embassy of India (Kazakhstan)
Dana Akhmedyanova, L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Kazakhstan

Head of International Relations Department, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University (Kazakhstan)

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