Aleksandr Kuzmenchuk and Constantino Xavier’s article, India’s Heritage Diplomacy: The Case of Archaeology and Conservation, published by the Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP), argues that India is increasingly using heritage diplomacy as a tool to enhance its soft power and expand its foreign policy footprint. The authors highlight how India’s Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) have collaborated on archaeological restoration and conservation projects abroad, particularly in Southeast Asia, South Asia, and parts of Africa. These efforts include the restoration of the My Son Temple in Vietnam, Angkor Wat in Cambodia, and the Bagan Pagodas in Myanmar, among others.
The article underscores that these projects are not merely cultural but also strategic, reinforcing India’s civilisational identity and its influence in partner countries. By preserving shared cultural heritage, India strengthens diplomatic ties and counters competing regional powers such as China. The MEA has also institutionalized heritage diplomacy by creating a Development Partnership Administration (DPA) division dedicated to heritage conservation, facilitating grant assistance and technical support to partner nations. However, the article emphasises that India’s heritage diplomacy faces challenges, including limited funding, inconsistent public information, and potential political backlash. For instance, the authors note how other countries, like Turkey and China, have faced accusations of using heritage projects for political influence, which India may need to navigate carefully. From an Indian perspective, these initiatives bolster India’s image as a civilisational power, enhance regional influence, and foster people-to-people ties. The article suggests that institutionalising public-private partnerships, expanding collaborations with NGOs, and supporting scholarly research on heritage diplomacy will strengthen India’s cultural outreach. Ultimately, the article argues that India’s heritage diplomacy is a growing pillar of its foreign policy, offering a unique avenue for building influence through shared history and culture
