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How India Is Trying to Use Yoga Diplomacy in Palestine to Disguise Its Close Ties With Israel
Executive Summary
AI-generatedThe article analyzes how India utilizes yoga diplomacy as a form of soft power abroad, noting its increasing use since 2014. It argues that this practice is particularly problematic in Palestine, citing instances where the Indian mission promoted yoga and meditation to Palestinians despite ongoing Israeli military actions, humanitarian crises, and violence in Gaza and the West Bank.
The article describes cultural diplomacy efforts by India in Palestine. This mechanism does not directly affect commercial supply chains, commodity prices, or corporate margins. The primary impact is geopolitical/soft power related, suggesting potential future investment (e.g., Indian educational/tech services) but lacking a concrete immediate commercial channel.
Key Insights
- India has increasingly used yoga as a key instrument of cultural diplomacy and soft power since 2014.
- The promotion of yoga is framed by India's government as a holistic way of life promoting peace, harmony, and wellbeing.
- Critics argue that this 'yoga diplomacy' helps obscure the growing authoritarianism and intolerance within India under Prime Minister Modi’s administration.
- Specific examples in Palestine include the Indian mission asking for nominations for a yoga award shortly after major Israeli military actions in Gaza (March 2025).
- The article highlights the irony of promoting meditation to Palestinians while Israel was reportedly bombing mosques and conducting raids.
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The full article is on the original publisher site.