India’s Soft Power in Afghanistan: Implications for Pakistan’s Foreign Policy

Abstract

The international system is dynamic in nature and since the evolution of globalization and communication technology, shift in terms of power and policy has occurred. States are now inclined to establish soft power in order to pursue their interests. Similarly, India has used its soft power policies as a foreign policy tool in order to expand its area of influence in regional politics. India has its interests in Afghanistan for a very long time. Afghanistan’s geo-strategic importance provides many benefits to India in political, strategic and economic terms. Indian policy makers want India’s foothold in Afghanistan in order to achieve its strategic objectives, easing their way to achieve the regional power status. On the other hand, Pakistan and Afghanistan are geo-strategically and culturally interlinked with each other. Growing Indian presence is a deep concern, as Pakistan shares its longest border with Afghanistan and hence any affair in latter will directly affect the former. Over the years, Pakistan has always been suspicious about Indian presence, as it believes that India’s growing influence will marginalize Pakistan’s role in Afghanistan. Despite being blessed with rich culture, ancient civilization heritage, and religious similarities, Pakistan has failed to project its soft power policies. If Pakistan adopts soft power as a foreign policy tool it will not only help Pakistan to improve its relations with Afghanistan but will also help to improve its image globally. Thus, this thesis explores India’s soft power projection in Afghanistan, the implications of India’s soft power on Pakistan and what should Pakistan do to overcome this situation.