INDIA’S SOFT POWER DIPLOMACY IN NIGERIA: CULTURAL, EDUCATIONAL AND ECONOMIC ENGAGEMENTS

Abstract: India’s engagement with Nigeria transcends traditional political and economic relations, extending into the realms of cultural and educational diplomacy. Despite the growing ties between both nations, limited scholarly attention has been given to the role of soft power in shaping their bilateral relations. This study addresses this gap by examining how India employs cultural influence, academic exchanges, and economic initiatives to strengthen its presence in Nigeria.

The objective of this research is to explore India’s soft power strategies, focusing on historical ties, Bollywood, yoga, academic scholarships, and business investments as instruments of diplomacy. Grounded in the Soft Power Theory, the study investigates how these elements contribute to fostering goodwill and long-term partnerships between the two nations.

Using a qualitative research methodology, the study relies on secondary sources, including academic literature, policy documents, and media reports, to analyze India’s diplomatic approach. The findings reveal that India’s cultural appeal, coupled with its expanding educational and economic engagements, has enhanced its influence in Nigeria. Bollywood films, yoga practices, and scholarship programs have not only deepened people-to-people connections but also positioned India as a key development partner. However, challenges such as competition from other global powers and policy inconsistencies remain.

The study concludes that India’s soft power in Nigeria is a valuable diplomatic asset that can be further strengthened through sustained educational collaborations, cultural initiatives, and economic partnerships. It recommends that both governments institutionalize cultural diplomacy programs and enhance scholarship opportunities to solidify their relationship in the long term.

Keywords: Soft power, Cultural Diplomacy, Educational Diplomacy, Economic Engagement as Soft Power