Vice-President Hamid Ansari has underscored the need to be non-emotive in resolving water issues. Stressing on the need for display of “great wisdom and patience”...he said absolute positions would only create problems. “Resolving water disputes requires preventive diplomacy and regional collaborative mechanisms.''

The first Indian wines to be sold by a British supermarket could become a fixture on its shelves after coming close to selling out in record time. India has a long tradition of winemaking but its wines have only recently been able to compete with more established regions. The country is also being recognised in international competitions.

“International travel is vital to the United States, as it provides important opportunities to improve economic competitiveness, strengthen national security and advance public diplomacy...India is a dynamic, burgeoning travel market, and we look forward to continuing to build relationships.."

A collection of rare vintage Bollywood showcards is taking top billing at one of Toronto’s biggest museums. “We think of Bollywood as such a localized phenomenon, but in fact it has been part of the global film industry from its inception..."

The New York Times has launched India Ink, an English-language website offering news and analysis about Indian politics, culture, business, sports and lifestyle. And it's free to access, initially at least. "India is a vibrant country with a wealth of urgent news and compelling stories," said Jill Abramson, NYT executive editor. "India Ink is an exciting expansion of The Times's global reach."

The Public Diplomacy Division of the Ministry of External Affairs has actively embraced Web 2.0 tools so that it can engage with the widest cross-section of people in India and the around the world. We have also found social media a powerful medium to expand our outreach amongst younger audiences

“The centenary celebrations would provide the country an excellent opportunity to exhibit India’s soft power on global scale and reinforce the idea of Cinemas of India along with the Incredible India campaign,” says Soni.

What if Washington had concluded that this competition required not more military might, but more and smarter investment in education, innovation, energy and the environment, and the full unfolding of America's soft power?