ROLE OF CRICKET DIPLOMACY IN INDIA-AUSTRALIA RELATIONS

Abstract

Cricket diplomacy has not only entertained fans but also brought India and Australia together on cricket pitch as well as in their trade, investment, defense and strategic relations. Cricket and culture diplomacy are interconnected and serve as a diplomatic bridge to build people to people contacts. India and Australia share flourishing bilateral relations and are also member of Quad and Indo-Pacific, cultural diplomacy has been an essential part of these developments. Both India and Australia understand the fact that cultural diplomacy can act as shock absorber by maintaining societal goodwill despite divergence in strategic interests.  Cricket being the strongest symbol of cultural diplomacy has played and will be playing a great role in India-Australia relations.