India's Proactive CoVID Outreach

In the 21^st century, the global world order is shifting East. Increasingly, two oldest civilisations, two large countries- India and China jostling for influence are back in spotlight. A World battling a cataclysmic health crisis supposedly originated from China, is reeling under a war-like emergency situation with no end in sight.  The Middle Kingdom exuding hubris of returning to normalcy, has accelerated agencies to win a war of narratives distancing itself from the health catastrophe it has unleashed. While India has significantly taken a different route. Touted as a third world country, demonstrating a strong national leadership, India initiated regional cooperation and motivated multilateral forum like the G-20 and G-7 for enhanced coordination to protect people from the pandemic.

Days after WHO declared the Chinese Corona Virus (CCV) a pandemic, Indian Prime Minister Modi, offered to lead a regional fight against CCV.  As infections began to spiral, with regional leaders of South Asia, (baring Pakistan) on board, India proposed creation of SAARC CoVID-19 Emergency Fund and pledged $10 million. Paving way for a collaborative regional CCV battle, India offered to share medical expertise, requisite software and tele-training of medical personnel. Emulating India’s efforts, President Emmanuel Macron convened a video conferencing of G-7 leaders and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison supported Modi’s efforts to have special virtual conference of G-20 leaders.  

Avoiding the temptation of indulging in name-calling and “scapegoating”, sharing best practices, Modi held conversations with various World leaders. Setting the wheels of health diplomacy in motion, MEA started the CoVID-19 control centre to provide assistance to the India Diaspora living across different geographies of the World. At a time when nations are looking inwards to tackle threatening scale of Corona infection, India uniquely fashioned out an approach of fostering collaborative effort and began exploring new forms of solidarity. Joining a video-conference summoned by US Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Beigun, foreign secretary Harsh Shringla exchanged India’s best practices with Indo-Pacific representatives from Australia, South Korea, Vietnam, New Zealand and Japan.

Setting the stage for a joint effort, Prime Minister held telephonic conversations with G-20 leaders-Russian President Putin, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, the President of EU, Ursula Von Der Leyen and Australian counterpart Morrison.

Modi has been the force behind the G-20 Extraordinary Virtual Leaders’ Summit which eventually agreed to contribute to the WHO-led COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund on voluntary basis and pledged to pump $5 Trillion to boost global economy. Setting the narrative for the G-20 summit, Modi urged for a humanitarian approach and coordinated global action. Besieged by the economic fallout and surging infections, while First World leaders faltered in prioritising, public health, Modi led the way. Enforcing a national wide lockdown without violating the democratic rights of the people, India led by example. Imposing strict social distancing vital for breaking the viral transmission chain, India invalidated the fears of World agencies which predicted a health disaster of enormous proportions. The antidote of lockdown which subdued the rate of infection spread, soon became a norm in countries grappling with stubborn infection trajectories.

While countries like the US imposed bans on the export of masks, India sent consignments of medical supplies to Maldives, Sri Lanka, Israel and China. While China even refused to acknowledge India’s timely help, India stepped up assistance to neighbouring countries. Together with its far-sighted and audacious approach and timely evacuation of foreign citizens India ramped up its credibility as a reliable and responsible power.

Safeguarding national interests and the concept of “vasudaivakutumbakam” have been the guiding principles of Modi’s foreign policy doctrine. Deftly striking a balance between two approaches, India steadily ramped up production of essential drugs sufficient to meet domestic needs and for their export to countries in need.

The US reeling under the mounting Corona death toll, touted Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) as the proverbial magic bullet in the CCV treatment. In his telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Modi, Trump expressed America’s interest in importing the drug. India produces 70% of HCQ, used in treating malaria and arthritis. Though the efficacy of the drug in CCV treatment yet to be scientifically proven, France has recently reported some success with this drug. Trump’s advisers contended that it can be useful for protecting the frontline workers from infection.

Hard hit by Corona virus, Brazilian President Bolsonaro in his letter to place a request for HCQ invoked Ramayana. Caught up in global high demand for this medicine, after his telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Modi, wrote a letter. It read, “Just as Lord Hanuman brought holy medicine from Himalayas to save the life of Lord Rama’s brother Lakshmana and Jesus healed those who were sick and restored sight to Bartimeu, India and Brazil will overcome the global crisis by joining forces and sharing blessings for the sake of all peoples. Please accept, your Excellency, the assurances of my highest esteem and consideration”⁴.

Given the steady rise of infections concerns were raised regarding its sufficiency and availability for domestic exigencies. Early March, India initially enforced a ban on the export of essential medical supplies. After a comprehensive assessment of stock availability for domestic contingencies and responding to global demand for HCQ, India partially lifted the on HCQ and Paracetamol. Honouring its commitment towards immediate neighbourhood, which is dependent on India, India first dispatched supplies to SAARC nations.  Later approved export of HCQ to US, Brazil, Spain, Germany, Bahrain, UK, France, Australia, New Zealand, Seychelles, Israel, Dominican Republic, Mauritius, Oman, South Africa and some African countries.

While much is made out in the time lag between India’s official announcement and Trump’s retaliation warning, the underpinning message remains that India rose to the occasion in times of health emergency. Profusely appreciating India’s gesture, America and Brazil thanked India. During a press briefing Trump said, “I want to thank Prime Minister Modi of India for allowing us to have what we requested from before the problem arose. And he was-he was terrific. We’ll remember it” ¹⁰.

India’s help on humanitarian grounds is invaluable. Aside the intangible gains of elevation of India’s geopolitical stature, export of essential drugs holds the promise of strengthening bilateral ties. Yesterday, Trump administration approved the sale of Harpoon air launched anti-Ship missiles and Mark 54 light weight torpedoes worth $155 million which can enhance India’s deterrent capabilities against Chinese threats ¹. Harpoon missiles integrated with the P-8I anti-submarine warfare aircraft will also increase India’s interoperability with US defence forces operating in the region.

Humanitarian assistance and disaster rescue has been India’s forte. Consolidating its credentials, from mid-March till April 11^th India facilitated evacuation of 28,000 people from 43 countries². Praising India’s efforts to rescue stranded people, Air Traffic Controller of Pakistan greeted Air India, “Assalaam Alaikum! This is Karachi’s control welcoming Air India for relief flights to Frankfurt”. An acclaim from unexpected corners is certainly a moment of pride for India³.

Last week India received a request for HCQ from Malaysia. Indo-Malaysian ties suffered a huge set back with former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammed calling Kashmir as an invaded territory at the UN and terming CAA as discriminatory during the Mini Muslim Coalition, Kuala Lumpur Summit. Irked by Mahathir’s repeated references to Kashmir, India cut down palm oil imports from Malaysia. But things turned optimistic under the leadership of new Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin. Keeping the incongruities that seeped into the bilateral relationship at bay, India agreed to sell HCQ to Malaysia ⁵. Turkey which spew venom on India over abrogation of article 370 and towed Pakistani line has placed request for HCQ. If some reports are to be believed even Pakistan has also sought HCQ from India ⁶.

HCQ touted as the game-changer for Corona pandemic appears to critically changed World’s perception of India. Unlike the Middle Kingdom which is pursuing global ambitions through mask diplomacy, media manipulation and armtwisting nations into adopting 5G to import Chinese made medical supplies ⁷ India is rendering possible help and assistance with no strings attached. Effectively combining the health diplomacy with humanitarian assistance, India is winning accolades of people. India gifted 75,000 MT of wheat to Afghanistan ensuring food security to the war-ravaged country ⁸. New Delhi sent a Rapid Response Team of 15 doctors at the request of Kuwait government⁹ to assist and strengthen Kuwait’s Corona combat. Unleashing a PR operation, while Chinese state media, bombarded every possible communication channel with the news of 9 Chinese health workers arriving in Italy, away from the media glare, India silently deputed a team of doctors to Kuwait.

Amid the unprecedented health crisis, with unwavering commitment to democracy, through sustained leadership, aside riding the Corona storm with persuasion (as opposed to coercion) India has followed the doctrine of Vasudaivakutubakam, in letter and spirit. Parallels are often drawn between India and China as the two emerging forces of 21^st century. At a time when China is showcasing its system as perfect, despite the imperfections in democracy, India is delivering results through an open system. Clearly, with its willingness to coordinate, contribute and cooperate global efforts, India has earned respect of nations and displayed a rare mettle of leadership during testing times.

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