INDIAS SOFT POWER ENGAGEMENT IN CENTRAL ASIA : ACHIEVEMENTS AND CHALLENGES

This paper analyzes Indias soft power engagement in the context of Central Asia. This paper explains the importance of soft power in contemporary period where everything is interconnected in such context soft power is as important as hard power. India shares historical and cultural ties with Central Asia and Indias diaspora network is also strong in Central Asia. This paper discusses how India is leveraging its soft power through capacity building programs, educational initiatives, etc. Additionally, the paper examines the interest of external power like US, Russia, China in Central Asia and Chinas role as challenge for India, as China is geographically and culturally linked to Central Asia. This paper argues that Indias soft power provides an important foundation for engagement, still India is unable to achieve its goal in Central Asia.