India is getting serious about its soft power

New Delhi: The government is on a mission to project India’s “soft power” on the global stage by focussing on a range of issues, including “women’s safety” and “convergence of diplomatic, strategic and economic relations with other nations”.A 13-member coordination committee, which includes secretaries to eight ministries, held its first meeting in the Capital on Thursday to draw a roadmap for projecting India’s “soft power”, ET has gathered.The panel is chaired by Niti Aayog vice-chairman Rajiv Kumar and includes, among others, Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) president and the University Grants Commission chairman.“Yes, it is about soft power and not just for the sake of it. We are looking at a comprehensive approach to all issues. For instance, there is a certain perception about India on ‘women’s safety’. Who is responsible for addressing it? Tourism ministry alone cannot; we are advocating a concerted effort like explaining things to India-based foreign journalists,” ICCR president Vinay Sahasrabuddhe told ET.“Most ministries and departments are working in silos. There is a need for concerted action. While Indian films are popular abroad, they aren’t promoted as much, perhaps due to poor sub-titling or translation. The committee can help find solutions,” he added.This coordination committee is expected to meet every quarter to assess all outstanding issues.

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