ORCA'S WEBINAR: CONTEMPORARY RESONANCE OF INDIA-CHINA CULTURAL EXCHANGES

As a part of its ongoing research project, Episodes of India-China Exchanges: Modern Bridges and Resonant Connections, Organisation for Research on China and Asia (ORCA) hosted a Webinar on the topic "Contemporary Resonance of India-China Cultural Exchanges" on the 3rd of March, 2025. The distinguished speakers engaged in an insightful discussion on the historical exchanges, contemporary linkages and people-to-people ties between India and China. By highlighting both historical and contemporary intermediaries, the discussion aimed to shed light on lesser-known aspects of bilateral exchanges and their enduring influence on both societies. 

 
Building on insights from the "Episodes of India-China Exchanges" project, the webinar explored the role of intermediaries in sustaining these exchanges, their impact on communities across the Himalayas, and their significance in broader diplomatic and geopolitical contexts. The soft power dimensions of the engagements across the two societies, along with the challenges and opportunities for promoting cultural dialogue between the two nations, formed the essence of the coversation. 

One of the esteemed speakers, Dr. Bali Deepak, Professor, Chinese Studies at the Centre for Chinese and Southeast Asian Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, spoke on the subtopic of "Echoes of the Past: Civilizational Roots of India-China Contemporary Exchanges." Prof. Deepak offered a historical perspective of the ties, emphasizing the profound intellectual and cultural exchanges between India and China. He highlighted the contributions of Chinese monks such as Xuanzang and Faxian, whose translations of Buddhist texts played a crucial role in the diffusion of knowledge between the two civilizations. Additionally, the exchange of expertise in medicine, astronomy, and governance was posited as a foundational aspect of their shared legacy as ancient centers of learning. Dr. Bali argued that the vibrant trade networks involving commodities like silk, sugar, and herbs further underscores the economic dimension of these historic ties, suggesting that trade facilitated not only material exchange but also cultural and intellectual interactions.

Another distinguished speaker, Dr. Gunjan Singh, Associate Professor, Jindal Global Law School, O.P. Jindal Global University, presented her insights on the subtopic, "Soft Power Capabilities of India-China Cultural Interactions: Contestations in South and South East Asia." Dr. Singh shifted the focus to contemporary soft power strategies, analyzing China's efforts to expand its influence in Southeast and South Asia. She highlighted China's deployment of educational and cultural institutions, such as Confucius Institutes, and the use of cinema as tools to shape global narratives favourably. This strategy is in contrast with India's approach, which, despite being less strategically assertive, is perceived as more reliable by regional partners. Dr. Singh’s analysis implicitly critiques the effectiveness of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in comparison to India’s soft power appeal, suggesting that credibility and trustworthiness play significant roles in regional influence.

Mr. Rahul Karan Reddy, Senior Research Associate, ORCA, speaking on the subtopic, "Balancing the Scales of Cultural Interactions and Geopolitical Impulses," highlighted the role of digital media in cultural diplomacy by examining Chinese video games as instruments of soft power. He argued that popular games like PUBG Mobile and Genshin Impact serve as modern conduits for cultural exchange, subtly embedding Chinese cultural elements and influencing Indian youth culture. This perspective expanded the discussion of soft power by incorporating the digital sphere, illustrating how seemingly apolitical platforms can serve geopolitical ends by shaping perceptions and societal norms.

Mr. Ratish Mehta, Research Associate, ORCA, while skillfully moderating the panel discussion, synthesized these viewpoints by framing India-China cultural exchanges as a bridge linking historical interactions with contemporary geopolitics. He emphasized the role of shared knowledge, trade, and diplomacy in shaping the bilateral relationship and argued for revitalizing people-to-people connections as a means of enhancing soft power strategies. His conclusion highlighted the evolving nature of soft power, suggesting that both nations must adapt their approaches to maintain influence in the region.

Collectively, these perspectives demonstrated the complexity of India-China relations, where historical legacies, soft power strategies, and cultural intermediaries interract to influence regional and global dynamics.

To know more about our ongoing Project "Episodes of India-China Exchanges: Modern Bridges and Resonant Connections," click here.