Balancing Soft and Hard Power in South Asia: A Comparative Study of Pakistan and India’s Strategic Behavior

Abstract

This study examines the comparative application of soft power and hard power used by Pakistan and India from 2019 and 2025 and how each state uses cultural, diplomatic, economic, and military tools to exert influence on the region and the world. The researcher also has analyzed the impact of soft power on diplomatic outcomes in comparison to hard power during the period 2019–2025. The research employes qualitative approach, secondary data and case study design. This Research also extensively uses peer-reviewed, policy reports, official governmental documents and media outlets to understand trends in state actions, regional relations and positions. The results show that India has gradually adopted a balanced smart power policy, seemingly balancing cultural diplomacy, technological innovation, economic leverage, and modernization of its military. The active participation of India in multilateral platforms, especially in the Quad and the wider Indo-Pacific systems, supports its ability to exercise its influence in both the soft and hard power arenas. Such initiatives are supplemented with the programs of the public diplomacy, international development cooperation, and strategic alliances that promote the image of India in the global arena and secure its position in the region. The paper concludes that Pakistan has gone an extra mile to develop her soft power capacity by the use of humanitarian efforts, cultural overtures, and calls towards Islamic solidarity especially with nations in the Muslim world. The discussion also underscores the fact that the two states live under a hybrid power system, which incorporates aspects of hard and soft power to achieve national interests. It is concluded that in the case of both Pakistan and India, smarter approaches to power, greater domestic rule, and constructive diplomatic strategies may make them more influential and achieve a more stable and secure region.

Keywords: Soft power, Hard Power, South Asia, Pakistan, India, Strategic behavior, Balancing Power, international Relations