Role of Language in India’s Cultural Diplomacy

Abstract

Linguistic antiquity and diversity of this country have been major attractions for the people
across the world and language has been an integral part of cultural diplomacy. Almost every
country strives towards teaching their own language to foreigners and disseminate and
propagate their own culture. India, as the land of one of the most ancient languages and
largest number of languages and dialects, has appealed to foreign people with long lasting
consequences. The fact that many western scholars studied Sanskrit to delve deeper into
Indian culture is a testimony to such attraction. Realising this fact, Indian government has
prioritized teaching Indian languages to propagate Indian culture in the international arena
and has endeavoured to promote language as part of its cultural diplomacy. In this context,
the paper is an effort to unfold to what extent language is important to India’s cultural
diplomacy and how language as a resource is utilized to promote Indian culture abroad.