Project ‘Mausam’ stands as a distinctive foreign policy initiative by the Indian Government, aimed at fostering stronger bonds with neighboring countries through the exploration and revival of shared cultural and maritime heritage. Launched in 2014, the project seeks to enhance regional connectivity and cooperation by emphasizing historical linkages, trade routes, and cultural exchanges that have shaped the collective identity of the Indian Ocean region. While primarily rooted in cultural diplomacy, Project ‘Mausam’ does possess a strategic dimension that extends beyond the realm of soft power. By revitalizing historical connections, it lays the groundwork for increased economic collaboration, maritime security, and geopolitical stability. The initiative acknowledges the historical interdependence of nations in the region and strategically leverages these ties to create a more conducive environment for diplomatic engagements. Moreover, the emphasis on maritime heritage underscores the project’s awareness of the contemporary geopolitical significance of sea routes, making it a vital component of India’s broader foreign policy objectives. Therefore, Project ‘Mausam’ not only serves as a cultural bridge but also contributes to the strategic depth of India’s foreign relations, fostering a more secure and interconnected regional landscape.
Tag: India and its neighborhood relations.
Decoding the Question:
- In the Introduction, you can start with how Project ‘Mausam’ is beneficial for India.
- In Body, divide into three sub-headings namely:
- Brief background about Project ‘Mausam’.
- Project ‘Mausam’ is considered a unique foreign policy initiative.
- Strategic Dimension of Project ‘Mausam’:
- In Conclusion, try to highlight the impact and significance of the project.
Answer:
Project ‘Mausam’ is a Ministry of Culture project to be implemented by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), New Delhi as the nodal coordinating agency with the support of the Archeological Survey of India and National Museum as an associate body. The unique idea of this project to showcase a Transnational Mixed Route (including Natural and Cultural Heritage) on the World Heritage List was well appreciated during the Project Launch by India at the 38th World Heritage Session in Doha, Qatar on 20th June 2014. The Director General of UNESCO appreciated India’s initiative in launching this unique project and ambassadors from several countries including China, UAE, Qatar, Iran, Myanmar, and Vietnam expressed great interest in this multifaceted cultural project.
Project ‘Mausam’ is Considered a Unique Foreign Policy Initiative of the Indian Government to Improve Relationships with its Neighbours:
- The Project ‘Mausam’ is considered the most significant foreign policy initiative in recent times by the Government of India.
- It is inspired by India’s historical role as the focal point for trade in the Indian Ocean.
- Project Mausam would allow India to reestablish its ties with its ancient trade partners and re-establish an “Indian Ocean world” along the littoral of the Indian Ocean. Thus, giving more impetus to India’s foreign policy.
- It would stretch from east Africa, along the Arabian Peninsula, past southern Iran to the major countries of South Asia and thence to Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia.
- India’s location and power can serve to organize the states of the Indian Ocean littoral. In this direction, Indian Missions in the 39 countries have approached local authorities and several countries including Bangladesh, Cambodia, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Indonesia, Oman, Qatar, Singapore, Malaysia, The Islamic Republic of Iran, UAE, Myanmar, Philippines, and Jordan.
- In Project ‘Mausam’, It is proposed to prepare two transnational nominations namely:
- Routes followed by the Cholas in the Southeast Asia region and
- Spread of Buddhism through land and sea routes in the South and Southeast Asian region (those countries that are a part of Project Mausam).
- This proposal will certainly boost ties with Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Maldives, Japan, South Korea, and China through the path of Buddhism.
Strategic Dimension of Project ‘Mausam: Project ‘Mausam’ can place India in a unique place to play a major role in Indian Ocean security and trade. It is supposed to have both a cultural and serious strategic dimension. Under this project, the Government of India can consider seriously developing its Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a security and trade zone which is sensible given the islands’ location close to the strategically important Straits of Malacca and Thailand. China’s willingness to strengthen communication and coordination with India, to link the ‘Belt and Road’ initiatives with India’s Project ‘Mausam’ and bring tangible benefits to the peoples in two countries and throughout the region shows that Project ‘Mausam’ is not to contain China but can be helpful to enhance the ties between the two Countries.
India’s government intends to expand its maritime presence, culturally, strategically, and psychologically (to remind the region why the ocean is called the Indian Ocean). Project Mausam is a positive step in that direction and one that will generally be well-received. The Government of India with its diplomacy must take a “whole of the nation” view of its task to revive and build on the goodwill of historical memory.
In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.
For UPSC Prelims Resources, Click here
For Daily Updates and Study Material:
Join our Telegram Channel – Edukemy for IAS
- 1. Learn through Videos – here
- 2. Be Exam Ready by Practicing Daily MCQs – here
- 3. Daily Newsletter – Get all your Current Affairs Covered – here
- 4. Mains Answer Writing Practice – here
