India's scientific upsurge gives cutting edge to soft diplomacy: VP Dhankar

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar on Saturday said that India's scientific upsurge is not only globally acclaimed, it also gives a "cutting edge" to the country's "soft diplomacy" and rise in foreign affairs.

Dhankar, who is in Kerala for a two-day visit, was speaking at the 12th convocation of the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) here.

Addressing a large gathering of graduates in various fields, their parents and faculty members of IIST, the Vice President (VP) said that India has made significant strides in the realm of space, science and technology and has "carved a very special niche" for itself in the global arena.

Dhankar said that India has traversed significantly in the last decade and during that period, there were global challenges and a pandemic.

Despite the challenges, "Bharat has been a shining star" and it was globally recognised as a "favourite place for opportunity and destination".

"At the global level, India is a country of hope and possibilit