Cultural Nationalism and Universal Altruism in India’s Foreign Policy

Abstract

The unique contours of Indian nationalism, founded on humanism, appreciation for cultural diversity, and spiritual awareness, differ from the Western solipsistic concept of nationalism. India’s cultural nationalism, which is rooted in humanism, provides a critique of the Western solipsistic model of nationalism based on political sovereignty. The cultural nationalism that reflects India’s civilizational ethos of peace, harmony, and collective human well-being emphasises the reconciliation of self-development and global responsibility. This worldview informs India’s foreign policy by promoting engagement that transcends rigid territorial boundaries while preserving sovereignty. By examining how cultural nationalism shapes India’s foreign policy orientations, the study suggests that upholding the values of cultural nationalism in its foreign policy enhances its normative appeal, expands its global influence without abandoning strategic autonomy, and offers an alternative to the binary of national conservatism and cosmopolitanism.