India’s Soft Power Push: How the Overseas Friends of BJP Bolstered Support Amidst Conflict
In the wake of the recent India-Pakistan conflict, which erupted in early May and culminated in a ceasefire request from Pakistan, India embarked on a multi-pronged diplomatic offensive to garner international support and highlight Pakistan’s alleged role in cross-border terrorism. While official multi-party delegations were dispatched to 33 nations, a quieter yet equally significant campaign was underway, orchestrated by the Overseas Friends of Bharatiya Janata Party (OFBJP). This global network of NRI volunteers and supporters, often viewed as the BJP’s international advocacy arm, mobilized its chapters across the world to engage with the Indian diaspora and counter what India perceived as misinformation surrounding the conflict. The OFBJP’s efforts underscore the growing importance of diaspora communities in shaping international narratives and influencing foreign policy.
The OFBJP, established in 1991, operates under the BJP’s foreign affairs department and boasts branches in over 40 countries. Following the conflict, OFBJP chapters, particularly in the US and Australia, sprang into action, organizing events and meetings to disseminate information and rally support for the Indian government’s position. These gatherings served as platforms to discuss the conflict, counter narratives emanating from Pakistan, and emphasize India’s perspective on the escalating tensions. The timing of these events coincided with what India identified as a surge in misinformation campaigns against it, primarily originating from Pakistan and amplified through social media channels, especially in Turkey. The OFBJP’s efforts were therefore crucial in presenting India’s narrative directly to diaspora communities and countering what it deemed as propaganda.
In the United States, the OFBJP organized a ‘Baithak’ (meeting) with former BJP general secretary Muralidhar Rao in Herndon, Virginia, followed by another outreach event in New Jersey, a state with a substantial Indian-American population. These meetings focused on "connecting, conversing, and celebrating the spirit of nationalism," with the India-Pakistan conflict taking center stage in discussions. Simultaneously, in Australia, Rajya Sabha member and national president of the BJP’s OBC Morcha, Dr. K. Laxman, addressed an OFBJP event in Melbourne, focusing on ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) and urging members to act as "Rashtradoots" (ambassadors) of India’s progress and culture while countering misinformation. This coordinated outreach underscores a strategic effort to leverage the diaspora’s influence in shaping public opinion and mobilizing support for India.
The OFBJP’s activities extended beyond the immediate aftermath of the conflict. In June, Union minister Arjun Ram Meghwal visited the United Kingdom and participated in a community event organized by the OFBJP’s UK chapter in London. Furthermore, Dr. Vijay Chauthaiwala, head of the BJP’s foreign affairs department, led a two-day convention of the OFBJP’s US chapter, inaugurated by BJP national president JP Nadda via video message. Nadda’s address emphasized Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and commended the OFBJP’s role in countering Pakistan’s narrative within the United States. He also highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appreciation for the Indian diaspora, underscoring the government’s recognition of the diaspora’s strategic importance.
The OFBJP’s engagement with the diaspora highlights the increasing significance of these communities in international relations. Diaspora groups can act as influential voices, shaping perceptions about their countries of origin and advocating for their interests within their adopted homelands. The OFBJP’s activities, particularly in the context of the India-Pakistan conflict, demonstrate how political parties are leveraging these networks to project their narratives, build international support, and counter opposing viewpoints. The organization’s reach across various countries, coupled with its ability to mobilize local communities, positions it as a significant player in shaping international perceptions of India and the BJP.
This coordinated outreach through the OFBJP represents a significant aspect of India’s soft power diplomacy. By engaging with diaspora communities, the BJP aims to cultivate goodwill, build alliances, and influence policy decisions in key countries. The OFBJP’s efforts to counter what it perceives as misinformation and promote a positive image of India demonstrate the organization’s strategic role in furthering the BJP’s foreign policy objectives. As diaspora communities continue to grow in influence, organizations like the OFBJP are likely to play an increasingly important role in shaping international relations and projecting the narratives of their respective countries. This incident showcases the evolving landscape of international diplomacy and the growing importance of non-state actors like diaspora organizations in shaping global narratives.