Using Buddhism as a tool of soft power

Context:

The geopolitical wrangling over the future of Buddhism between India and China is making the Nepal Buddhists uneasy.

Controversy over a grant:

When Nepal accepted a grant from the Government of India to renovate portions of the Golden Temple complex, it created a controversy.
Many locals believe that India was only interested in this project because, after Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, this is the temple complex most frequently visited by Chinese tourists, indicating vested interests and strategies.

India’s Buddhism:

For India, Buddhism provided an identity of peace and tranquility during the formation of the Republic, which was a time of intense violence and division between the country’s two key religions, Hinduism and Islam.
The usage of Buddhist symbolism as a means of escaping difficult times, whether it be the Ashoka Pillar or the wheel in the flag.
The inscriptions on the edifice erected by King Ashoka provided evidence of the life and teachings of the Buddha.
The geopolitical tool for India seems to be the promotion of Tibetan Buddhism, which has greater Western appeal.
The India International Centre for Buddhist Culture and Heritage is coming up in Lumbini, Nepal & the Indian Prime Minister laid its foundation stone in May 2022.
India’s claim over Buddhism by excluding discussions with the pallbearers of tradition and the larger Buddhist community will only serve the purpose of irritating China.

China’s Buddhism:

China utilized Buddhist narratives alongside infrastructure investments in Sri Lanka, just as Cambodia, Laos, and other Buddhist countries in Southeast Asia do.
With large crowds thronging to Buddhist temples, China cannot ignore the undercurrents and, therefore, would prefer to use its own version of Buddhism not only for national integration but also as a tool of soft power.

Conclusion:

Buddha, as the pioneer of peace, can serve as a source of inspiration for Indian diplomacy. By embracing his teachings of peace and cooperation, India can enhance its international standing and foster regional stability.
Initiatives like, Global Buddhist Summits can strengthen India’s relations with the global Buddhist community and showcase its commitment to peaceful cooperation.

News Source: The Hindu