Resurgence of Buddhism in Indian and Chinese Diplomacy

Abstract

In this globalized and information age, it requires to move ahead with the time and bring required changes in the methods of diplomacy. Both India and China are trying to make use of their status as ancient and rich civilizations for the revival of age-old linkages based on cultural and religious exchanges. Both the countries are preaching the lessons of Peace and Harmony in their foreign policy and trying to make use of the Buddhist wave as cultural diplomacy. The resurgence of Buddhism led to the use of Buddhism as a cultural bridge between countries and has become the need of the hour. Moreover, as Asia is a highly religious region both India and China are making their Buddhist links a tool of cultural diplomacy. This paper would analyze how India and China are making use of Buddhism as an instrument of cultural diplomacy in a competitive manner. As both the countries are planning to gain an upper hand in the region, keeping their advantages and constraints in mind, the paper would highlight their prospects and constraints in using Buddhism and Spiritual diplomacy as a soft power for their political end.