Covid-19 and its impact on Indian Foreign Policy: A Study

Abstract

The pandemic has been the most devastating event for the world since the Second World War. The pandemic as well as several geopolitical issues has made an already complex world even more complex. Its imbalance in the international system has increased. The second reality is that multipolarity is more relevant today than it was before. The pandemic has brought to the fore the importance of bringing diversity and resilience to supply chains, as well as the economic consequences of geopolitics and the risks associated with efforts to centralize power. India has always followed the ancient philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. Today there is an open society and democratic sentiments and cognizance of our responsibilities on the world stage. During the pandemic, India increased its drug production capacity to meet the demands, especially of paracetamol and hydroxychloroquine. Provided medicines to more than 150 countries, of which more than half were free or non-commercial. We have deployed our medical teams in the neighboring 4 countries. This sends a message to the whole world that India has the ability to not only help itself but to build good international relations. Prime Minister Modi has given a call for self-reliant India, which is important for the world. But after the second wave of Covid-19, foreign aid has also had to be accepted. The dire consequences of the pandemic have raised questions about regional primacy and leadership, which will have implications for the health of India's foreign policy in the years to come.