How cultural affinities abroad help to enhance bilateral relations?

The term cultural affinity itself elucidate it's intent that when country connects, coordinate and cooperate on programmes which enhance understanding between people of different religion, race and faith intensify and strengthen their relationship both domestic and overseas.

What is Cultural Affinity?

Cultural affinity is a public relation theory that should be considered more when trying to convey a message to a targeted audience. It can loosely be defined as having a sense of attraction or a feeling of connectedness towards a certain culture. But in this article, we will discuss how cultural affinity shape, develop and enhance bilateral relations between countries.

Organizing festival, fair and commemoration overseas do some favour in people to people understanding, bonhomie and camaraderie which develop a bond of deep and profound love and solicitude for people living abroad for their homeland.

   The organization of cultural activities abroad by India and various other countries helps to keep enthusiasm, fervour and warmth relation between the nations and with their peoples too. Such programmes can be looked through various perspectives first, it keeps their diaspora in confidence, zeal and trust at the high pinnacle that their country is still cautious and pay heed to their problems and keeps the attention of misconduct and malversation of countries having adopted citizenship.

Cultural programmes help to attain the confidence of people and increase economic relations overseas and trust which is the most essential element for every country. Conduction of cultural programmes always imprints positive and progressive impression while developing international relations.

This article seeks to measure the influence of factors such as history, language and culture in enhancing bilateral relations. Or cultural diplomacy that is using art and culture to benefit international relations. 

In India, Indian Council for Cultural Relations, an autonomous organization of the government of India under the ministry of external affairs usually assist to promote international cultural exchanges, offers scholarship, organises camps and supports the cultural centres associated with Indian diplomatic missions (embassies and consulates) abroad.

ICCR implements its policies through programmes for taking India to the world and bringing the world to India.

ICCR's programmes include foreign cultural festivals in India, Indian festivals abroad, the sending and receiving of cultural troupes, the holding of exhibitions and of conferences and seminars both in India and abroad, inviting distinguished world personalities to India, sponsoring the visits of Indian scholars and artistes abroad, and providing a platform for upcoming artistes to present their talent globally, ICCR publications, international awards, essay competitions and lectures, apart from scholarship schemes and fellowships. 

By increasing cultural ties we give a new boost to our diplomatic relationship, regenerate our vital and strategic interests in commerce and economic development. Working with the full endeavour, enthusiasm and fervour help to build our relationship at a great height.

Various areas of interest can be achieved by enhancing cultural ties are -

1. Helping leading Indian art and culture institutions achieve international standards, by making considered choices, with basic cultural infrastructure.

2. Strengthening the international market position of Indian arts and institutions like handicrafts, ethnic arts and indigenous cultural industries of India.

3. Strengthening Indian economic interests by emphasizing cultural, trade and economic ties; ease of accessing pertaining to export and outsourcing.

4. Cultural diplomacy, using art and culture to benefit international relations.

5. To participate in the formulation and implementation of policies and programmes relating to India's external cultural relations.

6. To foster and strengthen cultural relations and mutual understanding between India and other countries.

7. To promote cultural exchange with other countries and peoples.

8. To establish and develops relations with national and international organizations in the field of culture.

9. To take such measures as may be required to further these objectives.

Conclusion

 Since we know India is a civilized country with glorious past, so cultural engagement with the world's become imperative, the only thing we have to do is to engage with other countries with sensible and responsible manner after looking to our strategic interests without undermining our national interests.