Covid 19 and Indian Foreign Policy for UPSC

During the first wave of COVID-19, covid management in India was far better than that of many developed nations around the world. India exported and voluntarily supplied medical aid to countries in need. However, Covid 19 and Indian Foreign Policy UPSC saw dramatic shifts, with the explosive resurgence of COVID-19 in 2021.

Covid 19 and Indian Foreign Policy for UPSC Preparations

Medical Diplomacy -

Medical diplomacy proved is a crucial section related to Covid 19 and Indian Foreign Policy under the UPSC syllabus. Under medical diplomacy, the Indian government launched the "Vaccine Maitri" campaign, under which vaccines were distributed to other countries. India exported approximately 663.698 lakh vaccines to foreign countries as part of this initiative.

This revolutionary step substantially improved the country's strategic and economic standing globally. Furthermore, this medical diplomacy is expected to boost pharmaceutical industries, which will, in turn, revitalise the economy.

Neighbourhood Policy -

The neighbourhood policy adopted by India is an important topic to understand the relation between Covid 19 and Indian Foreign Policy for the UPSC preparation. India launched the "Vaccine Maitri" initiative during the pandemic to strengthen ties with the neighbouring countries.

The government of India supplied vaccines to several neighbouring countries, such as Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Seychelles. This was a good move for India to improve its regional importance. However, China's growing influence on the South-Asian regions is likely to decline India's neighbourhood importance in the times to come.

Quad Primacy Policy -

India has an informal alliance with the USA, Japan, and Australia, commonly known as Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad). The alliance was purposely created to counter China's aggressive posture on the border and emerge as a security provider in the Indo-Pacific region.

However, India faces an economic downturn due to the pandemic, limiting its ability to spend ambitiously on military expansion and modernisation plans. Consequently, India's stake in the Quad may be jeopardised.

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India-US Relationship -

The India-US relationship is a critical study topic under Covid 19 and Indian Foreign Policy regarding the UPSC examination. This international relationship witnessed significant shifts during covid in India. India showed overwhelming support to the USA by supplying medicines and easing export restrictions when the latter was facing a cataclysmic COVID wave.

However, the Biden-led government of the USA was hesitant to reciprocate when India needed help. Although later the USA provided the necessary supply, this incident had a slight negative impact on the relationship between the two countries.

India-China Relationship -

During the resurgence of COVID-19, the dynamics changed, and border tensions flared up between India and China. Since then, the two countries have been engaged in military standoffs. The Indian government banned Chinese products and apps in response to military intrusions. Currently, the ties between India and China are fragile, and it is uncertain which direction they will turn in the times to come.

During COVID management in India, the foreign policy outlook changed dramatically. The provision and the acceptance of medical aid changed the position of India on a global stage. Ties with some countries improved while they severed with some others. Altogether, COVID 19 and Indian foreign policy are important for UPSC preparation.

FAQs on Covid 19 and Indian Foreign Policy UPSC

Q.1. Under which Covid 19 and Indian Foreign Policy for UPSC were vaccines distributed to foreign countries by India?

Under which Covid 19 and Indian Foreign Policy for UPSC the Vaccine, Maitri initiative, vaccines were distributed in foreign countries.

Q.2. Under the Covid 19 and Indian Foreign Policy syllabus of UPSC, what does the Quad alliance stands for?

Under the Covid 19 and Indian Foreign Policy syllabus of UPSC, the quad alliance stands for Quadrilateral Security Dialogue.

Q.3. As per Covid 19 and Indian Foreign Policy UPSC courseware, which countries are part of the Quad alliance?

As per Covid 19 and Indian Foreign Policy UPSC courseware, India, Japan, the USA, and Australia form the Quad alliance.

Q.4. As Covid 19 and Indian Foreign Policy demonstrated in the UPSC syllabus, which geopolitical region is focused on in the Quad Alliance?

As Covid 19 and Indian Foreign Policy demonstrated in the UPSC syllabus, the indo-pacific region is focused on in the Quad Alliance.