It is a common belief that we, the Homo sapiens, are the smartest species to have walked the Earth. However, the recent gloom and doom presents a clear picture of how even the wisest of species can be brought to its knees by a virus. Economies have suffered setbacks, death tolls have risen and the whole world has gone into lockdown. Some reports even suggest that there are countries without enough land to bury its coffins. It is after a really long time that humankind has witnessed such circumstances. This is a reality check for us, the self-acknowledged wise species, that we are not ready for everything. Or to be more specific, we are not omnipotent. These situations have to be handled with a better approach, and that is co-ordination and co-operation. The international community needs to come together to fight the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The global village approach needs to be relived. Only this time, it is not for business, but for saving the world.
As almost every country is trying to find the cure for the disease called COVID-19 (or Corona Virus), the role played by the private giants in the current scenario is significant. India is among the largest players in the pharma industry across the globe. The country has overseen the manufacture of a large number of generic drugs and vaccines. The private players are the key figures in the process of fighting the pandemic. A number of homegrown companies have been at the forefront, collaborating with others at the international level to find a cure. It is expected that a vaccine will be prepared by September. In addition, New Delhi has initiated a global approach by urging SARC countries to come together against the pandemic. The idea has been pitched to the G-20 countries as well. This initiative taken by the government is a remarkable one. Not only can the resources be used effectively, but the observations regarding the virus and strategies to curb the situation can also be exchanged. Recently, the government has lifted the ban on hydroxychloroquine and has sent it to 55 countries. While some countries have been getting the anti-malarial drug for a while by trading, many are getting it now as part of India’s grant.
All these developments can be seen through the lenses of diplomacy tactics. The actions of the government, combined with those of the private players (who have different motives), can be viewed as a tapping of soft power diplomacy. This is a critical and well-designed move, as it has helped the country improve relations at the international stage. The role India is playing is commendable, with the US even acknowledging its actions and promising to return the favor. This can prove very beneficial for the country due to the China-America swordplay going on. Since the whole Corona situation has made the world see China as an irresponsible nation, India can emerge as the hero (or heroine, as India is a motherland) and save the day. India can utilize the situation of China not being able to contain the virus and causing thousands of deaths to her advantage. To quote a line in The Art of War, “Therefore, just as water retains no constant shape, so in warfare there are no constant conditions.” Right now, the situations have changed, and India can make the wind blow in her direction.
As the nation stands second to China with respect to population and economy, India will need to lure MNCs to come and invest in the country. The task of replacing China as a manufacturing hub will require a lot of brainstorming. A two-pronged approach needs to be undertaken by the administration. The first step is curbing the pandemic with the help of effective administrations, private pharma-techs and international organisations. The second one is making business regulations more flexible and friendly and implementing better labour laws to protect the daily wage earners. While the issue of labour laws during the time of pandemic warrants a separate discussion altogether, favourable results are inevitable if actions on the above-mentioned steps are taken. It would be really interesting to see how the government chalks out a strategy which combats the present situation and utilizes it to the nation’s advantage. It sounds like putting a lot of pressure and faith on the government, but a positive approach and outlook during these times can do no harm. After all, we as a nation have a history of overcoming various hurdles by remaining optimistic.
By Ayushi Singh
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