THE ROLE OF THE ICCR ORGANIZATION IN INDIA-UZBEKISTAN CULTURAL COOPERATION AND ITS POSITION AS "SOFT POWER"
Keywords:
cultural exchange, cultural ties and cooperation, cultural festivals, educational exchanges, artistic collaborations, strategic partnerships.Abstract
In today’s increasingly interconnected world, cultural diplomacy has become a key instrument for fostering international relationships and enhancing a country’s global influence. Among the myriads of organizations contributing to cultural diplomacy, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) stands out as a pivotal institution in shaping India’s soft power. Soft power, as defined by Joseph Nye, refers to the ability of a country to shape the preferences of others through attraction and persuasion rather than coercion or force. The ICCR plays an essential role in this context by promoting India's cultural values, heritage, and traditions across the globe, and forging strong cultural ties with other nations.
In recent years, the India-Uzbekistan relationship has gained considerable traction, driven by mutual interests in enhancing diplomatic, economic, and cultural cooperation. As both countries look to expand their cooperation, cultural exchange has become a crucial aspect of this evolving partnership. In this regard, the ICCR has played a significant role in strengthening cultural ties between India and Uzbekistan, fostering a deeper understanding of each other’s heritage, and promoting people-to-people connections. This article explores the role of the ICCR in India-Uzbekistan cultural cooperation and examines how it functions as a tool of India’s soft power in this bilateral relationship.
References
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