India plays cricket to gain edge in geopolitics

It is using soft power in sport to score over other nations in strategic playing field

During his recent visit to the Maldives, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (far left) gifted a cricket bat autographed by the Indian cricket team to Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
During his recent visit to the Maldives, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (far left) gifted a cricket bat autographed by the Indian cricket team to Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. PHOTO: NARENDRA MODI/TWITTER
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When Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Maldives last week, geopolitical issues - such as maritime security, infrastructure development, climate change and defence collaboration - dominated discussions. But what also made the cut was an unlikely soft power element: cricket.

Deploying its status as a global cricketing power, India made an offer to promote the sport across the Indian Ocean archipelago through professional coaching, exposure for Maldivian players in Indian tournaments and the development of cricketing infrastructure, including a stadium, on the islands.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on June 16, 2019, with the headline India plays cricket to gain edge in geopolitics. Subscribe