In Solidarity with Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan

NewsBharati    31-May-2021   
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Tough times don't last but tough people do. People of the Indian sub-continent have seen tough times over centuries. They have the resilience and endurance to fight and win every war on Wuhan Virus from China. India’s unwavering commitment to stand by the people of Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan are a significant step by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The havoc unleashed by the Wuhan Virus on the people of Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan has led to a lot of suffering. They are part of the geopolitical ecosystem we live in. This is for the first time since World War II that humankind is facing an existential challenge. The people of Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh are facing this huge humanitarian crisis with courage and conviction.

Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan have limited medical resources, medical infrastructure and trained human resources. A crisis of this magnitude is a tough task to solve and there is no ready solution. Bangladesh just celebrated its fiftieth year of its independence from Pakistan’s occupation. Exactly fifty years back, Bangladeshis made History and defeated the forces of occupation with limited resources. Today once again they are showing the same courage and conviction to face this crisis with resolve.

Bhutan too is affected by the Wuhan virus like the rest of us. Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh are emerging economies and the Wuhan Virus has caused enormous strain on their economy.

bhutan_1  H x WNepal is a land of one of the bravest people on our planet. Its brave and friendly mountain people – the Gurkhas, are respected across the World. The Kingdom of Bhutan is a country that is a role model for the rest of the world for its focus on sustainable economic and human development. Bhutan measures its growth with the Gross Happiness Index.

Each of these nations has made significant contributions to humanity. They have always been good global citizens. They may be small nations but history remembers them for saving the world and making the right difference. During World War II people from this region were part of allied forces to defend the free world.

From 1950, they have made significant contributions to UN peacekeeping efforts in Africa. And most importantly, barring Bhutan, which has the most benevolent of monarchies, all are democratic countries. Along with India, Nepal Bangladesh and Bhutan are lands of diversity, grand historical past and a rich cultural heritage. The region is home to one of the oldest civilizations of the world.

Our Prime Minister is committed to stand by our neighbors and is pressing WTO to make vaccines patent-free through diplomatic engagement with the G-20 Nations. The Indian Prime Minister is trying to persuade the WTO, WHO and US and other Western Powers to provide us with the required resources to combat the Wuhan Virus.

As part of these efforts the Indian foreign minister visits New York and Washington to discuss with US officials to remove the barriers currently in place. India will make a strong case before policy makers and negotiate with the global Pharma Manufactures to firm up supply to and allow India use its massive capacity to produce the vaccines, medicines and other equipment.

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This will enable Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh to get the required support and a long term solution for their health care needs. It’s very significant and commendable that Bangladesh foreign Minister Abdul Momen took the lead to connect with his Indian counterpart to support India’s efforts. The Governments of Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka all have come forward to endorse Indian efforts at the UN and with US administration.

India had provided its vaccine and other medical assistance to Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan and stands committed to support them in the days ahead.

This crisis provides a great opportunity to enhance the level of economic collaboration between India, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh for betterment of the people of the region by improving connectivity among the members of BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal), by creating a common economic and security union and ultimately creating an economic and security pact with South East Asian Nations like Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore and Vietnam.

Along with the QUAD members like Japan and Australia, this region has the potential to emerge as the fastest growing region outpacing China. According to the World Bank report, between 2013 and 2016, growth in South Asian countries increased from 6.2% to 7.5% while growth rates of other developing nations remained flat or even turned negative.

In the coming years, the World Bank expects countries like India, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh to continue this growth trajectory, estimated at 6.3 percent in 2020 and 6.7 percent in 2021. The crisis provides an opportunity for the QUAD and other Democratic world powers to forge greater collaboration with the region.

For India to take the lead to enable this partnership between the region and other western powers to for growth of the region, India needs to enable incubation and collaboration among start-ups in the region.

The QUAD and other Western Allies need to realize the potential of this region and the significance of the regions to emerge strategic player in the global technology supply, human capital and goods and services. The region is a fast growing economy with great talent, resilience and energy. Removal of trade barriers and regulations will enable the collaboration of starts and movement of talent across the region this has the potential to boost economic growth and a more scurried manufacturing, services and Supply Chain.

Our relationship with Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh is just not limited to access to markets, resources and seeking dominance. This is the bond of a great civilization and will continue to grow. India’s vaccine and strategic outreach to the people of Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan is a positive step. It’s an acknowledgment of the increasing economic collaboration at both People to People and at strategic level a move that will enhance India’s credibility among the people of the region and the world.