Beyond Economics: Indiarsquo;s soft power strategy in the pacific islands

This research looks at how India uses soft power strategies to improve its relations with South Pacific Island States (SPIS) mainly by creating the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) in 2014. To boost its relationship and balance China’s growing influence in the area, India uses soft power in the form of cultural diplomacy, assistance in development, actions on climate change, exchange of education and technological support. The research discusses how India is creating long-lasting partnerships with 14 Pacific Island nations, including Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu, using its history, democracy and progress. To promote its soft power, India starts centres of Excellence in Information Technology, offers help and equipment during disasters and humanitarian crises, begins scholarships for Pacific Islanders, offers renewable energy plans and helps others adapt to climate change. Such efforts matter a lot because the Pacific Islands are sensitive to the effects of climate change and because they are critical to the strategic balance in the Indo-Pacific region. It shows that in Indian foreign policy, building respectful relationships with other countries, working together for progress and focusing on sustainability help the country stand out instead of forming only transactional connections. It is evident from the analysis that although India finds it tough against China’s economic investment, its soft power approach provides certain benefits using cultural ties, demonstrating democracy in governance and cheap technological options. According to the research, India’s approach through SPIS assists Pacific Island nations in development, supports India’s Indo-Pacific vision and affirms India’s strong principles in dealing with important international issues such as climate change.