The Indian Army has emerged as a leading ambassador of Yoga, carrying India's ancient wisdom to military communities across the globe. The Army's outreach extends beyond military exercises, with Qualified Yoga Instructors included in United Nations Peacekeeping Missions and Yoga incorporated into training programmes at the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping in New Delhi.
Through multinational military exercises, United Nations peacekeeping missions, international military training institutions, Defence Attache engagements and Military Training Teams deployed overseas, the Army has taken India's civilisational heritage to military communities worldwide.
Foreign military personnel and trainees have described Yoga as an effective tool for stress management, physical conditioning, mental resilience and emotional balance – qualities relevant on the battlefield and in peacekeeping operations.
The Indian Army's contribution to Yoga's global proliferation is unique, demonstrating that hard power and soft power are not mutually exclusive. A soldier who safeguards borders can also carry a timeless civilisational tradition to the world.
