Soft-Power as means of strengthening India-Türkiye relations post 2003

Abstract

India and Türkiye are two emerging powers with expanding economies and growing international influence. With an aim to increase bilateral trade, both the countries embraced liberalization, which saw bilateral trade increasing from $505 million in 2000 to $9.6 billion in 2023, despite 2008 global financial crisis and Covid-19 pandemic. This article examines the Türkiye-India relations post 2003, focussing on soft power as manifested through cultural and economic spheres. Emphasizing the importance of soft power, such as Bollywood’s popularity in Türkiye and Turkish television dramas in India, alongside other collaborative initiatives in arts, education, and tourism, this article argues that soft power can generate lasting bonds, positioning Türkiye and India to deepen their relationship and forge new avenues for cooperation as global dynamics shifts.