Category South Asia Studies Center

The Hallyu Ascendancy and India's Soft Power Ceiling: A Geocultural Analysis for India-South Korea Bilateral Relations

The Hallyu Ascendancy and India’s Soft Power Ceiling: A Geocultural Analysis for India-South Korea Bilateral Relations

The Korean wave, etymologically known as the hallyu, refers to the soft power of the Korean popular culture that originated in Southeast Asia, first in mainland China and eventually spreading across Asia in the late 1990s. The transnational cultural influence of the K-wave in the postmodern era is one of a kind due to the decisive yet dominant nature of ‘compressed modernity’. South Korea experienced a century's worth of economic growth-led cultural influence within the span of a few decades. The phenomenon of ‘Miracle on the Han River’ transformed a war-ravaged South Korea that was one of the 25 poorest countries in the world in the 1960s into an advanced economy built on technology and innovation, with the help of the International Development Association of the World Bank. 

Hydro

India-Bhutan: Hydro-Electric Trade and Future Prospects

India–Bhutan hydro-electric trade remains a high-value, mutually reinforcing partnership for energy security and development.Recent relations of bilateral trade operate through a mixed arrangement of long-term PPA (Power Purchase Agreements), and developer arrangements which is a State to State and increasing private participation - recently seen operations via electricity market access in India (Day-Ahead/Real Time markets).

India-Nepal: Cross Border Energy Grid Integration

India–Nepal: Cross-Border Energy Grid Integration

Cross border integration is a strategic imperative for regional energy security,economic growth, and climate resilience. This article argues that while the initiative has made commendable progress, emerging regulatory and infrastructural challenges must be addressed to unlock its full potential.

India-Qatar

India-Qatar: Maritime Energy Security Dialogue

India and Qatar share a deep energy partnership, with Qatar being a key supplier of liquified natural gas (LNG) to meet India’s growing demand. As energy trade relies heavily on secure maritime routes, rising geopolitical tensions in the Gulf and threats to sea lanes have made security a shared priority. To address these challenges, the India-Qatar Maritime Energy Security Dialogue has been launched to strengthen cooperation in safeguarding energy flows, enhancing naval cooperation, and building resilient supply chains. This policy update briefly examines the partnership’s significance and outlines ways to deepen collaboration for regional stability and energy security.

India-Turkey

India- Turkey: Sufi Connections and Music Diplomacy

In the 21st century, the extensive popularity of Bollywood movies in Turkey, and the ever-growing appeal of Turkish dramas in India are emblematic of the sustained soft power diplomacy of the two sovereign nations. The roots of such connections, however, can be traced back over centuries, which included a continuous give and take between Indians and the Turks. This international cultural network between the south and west of Asia was established through consistent cultural exchanges initiated by the Sufis, who might be credited as some of the most prominent pioneers of cultural diplomacy between India and Turkey. 

Ayurveda

Healing Bridges: Ayurveda and India-Thailand Wellness Diplomacy

India and Thailand have a long history of connections grounded in culture, spirituality, and trade, especially through Buddhism and traditional practices. Recently, these ties have evolved with the rise of wellness diplomacy, particularly in Ayurveda and yoga. For India, Ayurveda represents balance, prevention, and holistic healing. Thailand, known for its spas and medical tourism, has welcomed Ayurveda as a natural addition to its traditional healing practices. Together, both countries are blending heritage with modern wellness trends, addressing global interest in natural, preventive healthcare.

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