Covid 19's Impact on India's Relations with the World
-Harsh Raj
-Harsh Raj
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on India's relationships with other countries. As one of the worst-hit countries in the world, India's response to the pandemic has received both support and criticism from the international community.
The pandemic has had a significant impact on the relationship between India and the United States. In April 2021, the United States announced that it would provide emergency assistance to India to help it deal with the surge in COVID-19 cases. The assistance included oxygen concentrators, ventilators, and raw materials to produce vaccines.
The aid was seen as a significant gesture of support, as India is one of the United States' key strategic partners in the Indo-Pacific region.However, the relationship between the two countries has also been strained due to the pandemic. The United States has been critical of India's decision to restrict the export of COVID-19 vaccines, as it has affected the global supply of vaccines.
The USA has donated 400 million COVID-19 vaccine doses globally. 10 billion doses are administered worldwide.
The pandemic has had a mixed impact on India's relationship with China. As noted in the previous article, the two countries have had a strained relationship due to their border dispute. The pandemic has added to this tension, with both countries blaming each other for the spread of the virus.
According to the news agency PTI, India-China trade in 2021 was $125.62 billion, an increase of 43.32% year on year and the first time that trade was greater than $100 billion. That year, India's imports from China increased by 46.14% to reach $97.59 billion.
However, the pandemic has also led to a change in India's trade relations with China. India has been looking to reduce its dependence on Chinese imports, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. India has also sought to increase its exports to China, particularly in the areas of pharmaceuticals and agriculture.
The pandemic has also had an impact on India's relationships with other countries. India has been working with other countries, particularly in the South Asian region, to deal with the pandemic. India has provided medical supplies and equipment to countries such as Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.
However, India’s foreign policy has also been highlighted during this pandemic. India has also faced criticism for its management in the pandemic, particularly in the early stages. This has led to questions about India's ability to lead in the region and the world.
In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on India's relationships with other countries. While India has received support from some countries, it has also faced criticism for its response to the pandemic. The pandemic has highlighted the challenges of India's foreign policy, particularly in the Indian and Pacific region. As the world continues to struggle with the pandemic, it remains to be seen how India's relationships with other countries will evolve in the coming years.