Underrated potential of soft power Indian sports and food diplomacy

Indian sports and food are often considered underrated tools of Indian soft power due to a combination of strategic oversight, cultural fragmentation, and the dominance of other global narratives. India’s foreign policy has focused on economic growth, military strength, and technological advancements, sidelining the cultural potential of sports and food in shaping perceptions. While cricket is hugely popular in most Commonwealth member counties, especially through the Indian Premier League (IPL), it has not been effectively integrated into India’s broader diplomatic strategy. Similarly, Indian cuisine, despite its global appeal, remains little known to the general public with no unified approach to showcase it internationally.