Abstract
<jats:p>This book offers a rigorous and interdisciplinary exploration of soft power as a central pillar of India–Bangladesh relations, moving beyond conventional state-centric diplomacy. It builds its theoretical foundation on the work of Joseph Nye, while critically adapting the concept to the South Asian civilizational context through the lens of “Maitri.” The narrative foregrounds the enduring emotional legacy of 1971 as a foundational architecture of bilateral goodwill and strategic trust. It highlights how shared cultural icons like Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam function as unique instruments of cultural diplomacy. The book further examines language, literature, and the Bengal Renaissance as deep reservoirs of symbolic capital.</jats:p> <jats:p>It provides a nuanced analysis of media flows—from Bollywood dominance to OTT-era recalibrations—revealing asymmetries in cultural exchange. The work also investigates music, cinema, and digital platforms as evolving arenas of soft power negotiation. A key contribution lies in its exploration of people-to-people connectivity, including medical tourism, education, and grassroots mobility. Institutions like Indian Council for Cultural Relations are positioned as strategic conduits of influence and intellectual engagement. The book critically engages with tensions of cultural sovereignty, reciprocity, and perceived dominance. Ultimately, it argues that soft power is not auxiliary but structurally embedded in the diplomatic architecture of the region.</jats:p>