Chair

Amb. Veena Sikri, Former High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh

• In the opening remarks the Chair emphasised on the importance of remembering shared historical narratives in South Asia, akin to the collaborative efforts seen in Europe, specifically between France and Germany post-World War II. This cooperation led to a common historical project to reconcile their past.
• South Asia’s rich civilizational history is often underrepresented in Western literature, noting that significant archaeological findings extend back to 9000 BC rather than the commonly cited 3000 BC.
• Need for historian to engage in cultural diplomacy in order to build a collective understanding on South Asia’s rich and diverse antiquity.

Speakers

Amb. K. Nandini Singla, Director General, Indian Council for Cultural Relations

– “Cultural Diplomacy in India’s Foreign Policy”

• The concept of MAHASAGAR as a modern geopolitical idea is rooted in the historical and cultural connections between India and states in its extended neighbourhood over 2,000 years. The Indian Ocean historically facilitated the exchange of not only goods but also ideas, language, and culture. MAHASAGAR symbolises a return to a time of inclusive cooperation that contributed to regional prosperity.
• India’s cultural influence is significant with its values, deeply rooted in its civilization, promote ideals like interconnectedness and environmental stewardship which resonates globally. India’s cultural diplomacy includes sending artists abroad and hosting international talent while promoting Indian values through education and cultural exchange programs.
• With a long-standing democratic tradition, India values pluralism and strategic autonomy, maintaining good relations across the global landscape. India’s message of interconnectedness, derived from the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, based on the belief that all entities are interconnected. This interconnectedness helps in fostering values important for global discourse, such as democracy and human rights, which are deeply rooted in India’s 5000-year-old civilization.
• Nandini said that the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) plays a significant role in promoting cultural ties through various programmes. ICCR further supports this outreach by providing scholarships to foreign students and fostering interest in Indian culture worldwide.

Dr. Sandagomi Coperahewa, Professor & Head, Dept. of Sinhala, University of Colombo

“Beyond Political Boundaries: Tagore’s Vision of India–Sri Lanka Cultural Dialogue”

• Cultural relations between India and Sri Lanka have a long history, with significant influence from Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore in the 20th century. His travels to Sri Lanka in 1922, 1928, and 1934 exemplified his commitment to cultural diplomacy, fostering exchanges based on shared civilizational values.
• Tagore’s visits underscore Sri Lanka’s role as a vital link in his intellectual journey, fostering friendships and shared values. Tagore’s optimism for cooperation and his engagement with Sri Lankan scholars reinforced a shared cultural consciousness, viewing both nations as partners in a common heritage.
• Translation has been a key tool in Tagore’s cultural diplomacy in Sri Lanka, facilitating the spread of his ideas through Sinhala translations of various literary forms. This ongoing translation effort democratizes literary exchange and serves as a lasting source of soft power.
• Tagore’s exchanges with local scholars and artists helped create a shared humanistic vision grounded in Asian cultural values.

Dr. Niloy Ranjan Biswas, Professor, Dept. of International Relations, Dhaka University

 “Reconnecting History: Cultural Diplomacy, MAHASAGAR, and the Global South Reimagined from South Asia”

• South Asia is historically interconnected yet it remains strategically fragmented. The Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea have long served as cultural channels that linked the subcontinent with Southeast Asia, East Africa, and the Middle East, fostering shared traditions and cosmopolitan cultures. However, post-colonial nationalism and hardened borders have prioritized rivalry over connectivity.
• The interplay of culture, diplomacy, and regional order challenges the traditional emphasis on military strength and state-centric views within international relations. Increasingly, cross-disciplinary research acknowledges culture as a crucial element in fostering cooperative frameworks. This is particularly relevant for South Asia, where diverse civilizational influences have historically intersected.
• Although informal cultural connections thrived within diaspora communities, they often lacked of admission by the state. In this context, cultural diplomacy has emerged as a significant analytical and policy framework aimed at fostering trust and shared norms through cultural engagement, as opposed to merely enhancing external state image. This approach is particularly relevant for South Asia, where culture plays a critical role in shaping collective memory and interstate relations.
• The strategic initiative MAHASAGAR embodies a major shift, promoting comprehensive cooperation that includes economic and societal links, thereby positioning cultural diplomacy as a fundamental element of regional connectivity rather than a secondary tool.
• Need for a systematic approach to integrating culture within institutional frameworks, to enhance collaboration and avoid bureaucratic delays. Bangladesh and South Asian nations to regard MAHASAGAR as a collaborative venture rooted in shared maritime history, positioning Bangladesh as a pivotal state in promoting ecological and cultural links in the region.

Dr. Gaurav Bhattarai, Assistant Professor, Dept. of International Relations, Tribhuvan University

“From Himalaya to MAHASAGAR: Making Sense of Nepal’s Cultural Ties with India through Transit Access, and Open Borders”

• Nepal can only connect to the seas through India, being landlocked. It is primarily dependent on Indian ports, and uses Indian railways and cross-border roads for trade, making India’s maritime activities crucial for its access to international markets.
• The Indian Ocean holds a unique significance, during the 19th century, Jung Bahadur, the first Rana Prime Minister, crossed the ocean, breaking societal taboos and stigmas associated with crossing the sea. Post-1950, after the end of Rana rule, new political leaders viewed the sea as a vital connectivity and development resource.
• Nepal has experienced various political regimes since 1950, all adopting a non-alignment foreign policy, which is also enshrined in its 2015 Constitution. This stance allows Nepal to navigate pressure during geopolitical rivalries without forming military alliances.
• India faces challenges in the Indo-Pacific, including geopolitical rivalry, security issues, and economic factors. Nepal’s ambition to connect with global markets through India may become entangled with India’s maritime priorities which could complicate and delay negotiations regarding transit agreements.
• Nepal views the Indian Ocean primarily as a source of economic and trade benefits, rather than a basis for military alignment. Instead of aligning with maritime security structures, Nepal prefers to frame its role around economic connectivity, preserving strategic independence. This enables Nepal to influence regional discourse, promoting collaborative partnerships that extend from security to civilizational and developmental agendas

Dr. Ashok Behuria, Senior Fellow, MP-IDSA

“Dharma Diplomacy: Reclaiming the Mandala in India’s Foreign Policy”

• He focussed on India’s efforts to integrate its Buddhist heritage into foreign policy and held that the main aim has been to help foster mutual respect and understanding among nations, leveraging teachings of compassion and non-violence.
• India employs a mandala model, it contrasts with China’s more state-controlled approach in its Belt and Road Initiative. India is seeking to build soft power through Buddhist cultural exchanges and promoting a collaborative Pan-Asian identity instead of competing with China. This strategy reflects India’s commitment to utilising its cultural heritage in diplomacy and fostering grassroots goodwill throughout the region.
• India differentiates its approach by emphasising on compatibility of Buddhism with democracy beyond religious diplomacy. This comprehensive strategy reinforces India’s role in global cultural discourse and enhances its soft power by fostering deeper connections through spirituality and shared values.

Q &A

• The rising anti-India sentiment whereby the role of cultural diplomacy could become a valuable tool. Deeper cultural integration would be important in addressing ongoing political tensions to help build trust.
• During the 1930s and 40s, various Sri Lankan artists, particularly musicians and writers, began to incorporate Indian influences into their works, notably through their encounters with Tagore. The poetry of this period, reflected daily life in Sri Lanka, infused with Tagore’s ideas, illustrating a rich interplay between Indian and Sri Lankan artistic traditions.

Major Takeaways

• India’s role as a civilizational partner is aimed at collective growth in the region through soft power, leveraging cultural influences rather than military force. India’s post-independence leadership used Buddhism to establish a moral identity and position itself as a stabiliser in a shifting global landscape.
• Tagore’s recognition as a prominent Indian poet and philosopher in Sri Lanka reflects the depth of this cultural engagement, serving as a model for transcending political boundaries through dialogue and shared intellectual heritage in contemporary India-Sri Lanka relations.
• South Asia’s maritime history was characterised by interconnected trade and knowledge networks, yet today’s regional dynamics are hampered by nationalism and rivalry. India’s shift from SAGAR to MAHASAGAR reflects a new strategic outlook that integrates South Asia within a Global South framework, emphasising cultural diplomacy as essential for regional order.
• Need for a shift from territorial to oceanic regionalism to facilitate cooperation among Global South countries, acknowledging shared histories and ecological systems. This approach is a strategic necessity within a context of geopolitical fragmentation and ecological challenges.
• The success of MAHASAGAR relies on reimagining South Asia’s political identity, transforming collective memory into shared responsibility and fostering a sustainable regional order.