Project Mausam and Sri Lanka: Accessing India’s Cultural Diplomacy through Shared Maritime Heritage

Abstract

In the contemporary international relations geopolitics is not only confined to hard powers but also expanded to the realm of soft power. In this scenario, Project Mausam as a crucial part of India’s cultural diplomacy in the Indian Ocean Region becomes immensely important. This paper therefore critically examines India’s outreach strategy to Indian Ocean Region, specifically in relation with Sri Lanka through the lens of Project Mausam. At the core, this paper argues Project Mausam is not only an initiative for the revival of heritage, rather it aims to use cultural ties, civilizational bonds, shared maritime history to give strength to its regional presence. At the beginning, this paper discusses the concept of soft power and cultural diplomacy and how it impacts international relations. Then it goes onto analysing the idea, objectives and aims of project Mausam, that widen the vison of Indian Ocean Region as a historical sphere not only shaped by commercial trade, but also by pilgrimage, monsoon routes and cultural exchanges. This paper further explores the centrality of Sri Lanka within the framework of Project Mausam due to its geostrategic location, civilizational bond, Shared cultural heritage, connectivity and Crisis assistance. At the end it argues the possibilities of deepening the ties through the smart use of soft power in the region, specifically with Sri Lanka, at the same time need to cautious about unregulated institutional structure, lack of cooperation and unsustainable cultural engagement.