Summary:
The COVID-19 crisis has given India an opportunity to leverage its image and reputation as a trusted, neutral and credible development partner and to build on its strong capabilities in key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, medicine, biotechnology, clean energy, and humanitarian relief and recovery. But the pandemic has also brought attention to the weaknesses of India’s health, welfare and social protection systems and the fundamental social and economic inequities that continue to keep millions in poverty. The images of migrant workers and their families trudging long distances along India’s roads and highways sit uneasily alongside those of Indians being airlifted back home. As India revives its economy and builds on the goodwill it has generated internationally, policymakers will need to recognise that local is indeed vocal and that domestic policies have a direct bearing on India’s image and its projection of soft power around the world.
Post description:
- Publication year: 2020
- Content type: Op-Ed
- Form of cooperation: Technical assistance, Humanitarian assistance.
- Cooperation context: Multilateral
- Sector: Health, Infrastructure
- Institution (publication): The Asia Foundation
- Author (and co-authors): Mandakini D. Surie
- Keywords: COVID19; Indo-Pacific; Latin America; Africa
- Link: Dev Policy Blog Article