Delegates from the BRICS nations visited the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya on Aug. 5, 2024 [1].
The visit serves as a strategic exercise in cultural diplomacy during the BRICS summit. By showcasing one of India's most significant religious landmarks, the host nation aims to foster goodwill and strengthen ties with the other member states through shared heritage and cultural exchange.
The delegation included representatives from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa [1]. The group traveled to Ayodhya, located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, to tour the temple grounds as part of a broader cultural itinerary [1].
Officials said the tour was intended to highlight the architectural and spiritual significance of the site. The visit occurred on Aug. 5, 2024 [1], aligning with the schedule of the international conference.
This gesture reflects a broader trend of using soft power to supplement the economic and political negotiations central to the BRICS bloc. By integrating cultural tours into the official summit agenda, the delegates engage with local traditions and history, a move designed to build interpersonal rapport between the participating nations.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple is a focal point of cultural and religious identity in India. Bringing international diplomats to the site provides a platform for India to project its cultural influence and heritage on a global stage while hosting the representatives of the emerging economies group [1].
“The visit serves as a strategic exercise in cultural diplomacy.”
This visit underscores India's effort to blend traditional cultural identity with its role in a powerful geopolitical economic bloc. By guiding BRICS delegates through a site of immense domestic significance, India leverages soft power to create a more nuanced relationship with its partners beyond trade and security agreements.
