Soft power, a term coined by American political scientist Joseph Nye Jr. in the late 1980s, refers to the "power of attraction through culture, political ideas, and policies rather than coercion," a stark departure from the traditional military hard power approach. India, with its rich cultural heritage, stands as an enlightened nation, acutely aware of the potential of its soft power to influence global narratives positively. The global impact of India's soft power has been felt for centuries, with Indian arts, culture, and spiritualism attracting people from all corners of the world. This influence was recently showcased in the Qatari court's decision to reduce the capital punishment for eight former Indian naval personnel, revealing a significant triumph that can be attributed to the five pillars of India's rising soft power. In the recent times, Prime Minister Narendra Modi strategically reoriented Indian diplomacy, integrating new elements of soft power. The five pillars - Samman (dignity), Samvaad (dialogue), Samriddhi (shared prosperity), Suruksha (regional and global security) and Sanskriti evam Sabhayata (cultural and civilizational links) - serve as the foundation for India's soft power strategy. These pillars are not isolated; they are intricately linked with India's broader political and economic goals, providing a holistic approach to international relations.
India's soft power is deeply rooted in its history, reflecting a nation of diverse thoughts and amicable cultural dissemination. The concept of 'unity in diversity' or rather ‘unified diversity’ has historically shaped India's global representation, drawing traditional, religious, ethno-linguistic, and constructive relations with other nations. This soft power has permeated deep into the international arena, eliciting admiration and influencing nations worldwide.
The recent decision by the Qatari court of appeals to reduce the capital punishment for eight former Indian naval personnel exemplifies the success of India's soft power diplomacy. The relief granted to these individuals and their families is a testament to the efficacy of diplomatic channels employed by the Indian government. However, the disappointment of the upheld conviction underscores the need for a reassessment of legal strategies and evidence of innocence before filing a review petition with Qatar’s Court of Cassation.
In navigating the legal complexities, the Indian government faces three potential options if judicial appeals prove unsuccessful. The first involves persistently pressing for a review of the conviction with Qatar's ruling Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. Alternatively, seeking clemency and requesting a pardon, a recourse, Qatar's rulers have granted in the past, presents a viable option. The third choice is for the men to serve their terms in India, subject to the terms outlined in a 2015 bilateral Agreement on Transfer of Sentenced Persons. However, this option requires an acceptance that the conviction cannot be reversed, placing a moral dilemma before the individuals involved.
Prime Minister Modi's recent outreach to the Qatari leadership, particularly his meeting with the Emir on the sidelines of COP28 on December 1, highlights the role of political engagement in soft power diplomacy. While the effectiveness of earlier outreach, shortly after the arrest of the men in August 2022, remains speculative, it is commendable that New Delhi refrained from reacting to the case with public rhetoric. This contrasts with its approach to similar allegations from Canada and underscores the nuanced nature of diplomatic relations.
Crucially, India's restraint in not allowing the case to become entangled in regional tensions, such as the ongoing situation in Gaza, speaks to the country's diplomatic finesse. The calibrated position, coupled with a quiet yet determined push, reflects an understanding of Qatar's sensitivities and increases the likelihood of a successful resolution. It is imperative to note that any potential connection of the case to India's intelligence services necessitates a review of operations that could jeopardize Indians overseas, ensuring a delicate balance between national security and diplomatic objectives.
While the reduction in the sentence by the Qatari court may seem like a mere reprieve, it is, in essence, a testament to the strength of India's soft power and the efficacy of its five pillars. This development serves as a beacon of hope, illustrating the potential of soft power to navigate complex international scenarios and secure the well-being of its citizens. As India continues to leverage its cultural richness and diplomatic acumen, the case of the former Indian naval personnel stands as a compelling example of soft power in action, shaping global outcomes in a positive and constructive manner and we can only hope and strive as a nation to grow further with an emboldened soft power in 2024.Wish you all a Happy New Year-2024!
(The writer is an Advocate, Orissa High Court, Addl. Central Government Standing Counsel, CAT, Cuttack Bench, Consulting Editor-Legal Affairs and Public Policy, The Pioneer and a Distinguished Adjunct Professor of Law and Media Studies, School of Mass Communication, KIIT University)
