The recent participation of India in the 6th roundtable meeting of the ASEAN-India Network of Think Tanks (AINTT) has generated much discussion. The main topic of discussion was the ongoing crisis of the Covid-19 pandemic and how nations can collectively respond to it. This article will go through the key points highlighted by India during this meeting.
What is AINTT?
The AINTT, short for ASEAN-India Network of Think Tanks, is a consortium fabricated with the very purpose of providing policy inputs to both India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Their aim is to facilitate a clear strategic direction towards future cooperations. This roundtable dealings concluded in its 6th iteration.
Pain Points Raised by India
During the meeting, India made sure to talk about the difficulties currently preventing a strong, collective response to the Covid-19 pandemic. As per India’s representatives, many individual behaviors of states and the antiquated styles of multilateral organizations were to blame. Indirectly, they referenced the United Nations Security Council’s (UNSC) inability to issue a unified statement on the pandemic due to internal disputes between permanent UNSC members – China and the USA.
Furthermore, the withdrawal of the USA from the World Health Organization (WHO), accusing it to be under China’s influence, was also brought up. According to India, the real challenge in a post-Covid world would be the societal damage and governmental challenges, not just economic fallout. Additionally, the pandemic has also prompted a debate regarding the future direction of global affairs and world order.
Suggestions Made by India
India, during the meeting, expressed an urgent need for ASEAN countries to surpass the conventional practices in trade, politics, and security to find solutions to the challenges posed by the pandemic. They stressed the importance of collective solutions and greater cooperation to counter the hurdles caused by the pandemic.
Part of India’s proposed response was to encourage adopting the idea of strategic autonomy, especially in the context of global supply chains. This was a direct reference to countries’ efforts to move production facilities out of China or decrease their dependency on them after the pandemic highlighted the risks of over-reliance on one country. Essentially, strategic autonomy is defined as a state’s capability to pursue its national interests and execute its foreign policy without being hindered by other states.
Conclusion
India’s active participation in the 6th roundtable meeting of the AINTT underpins its dedication to tackling the global challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Their constructive approach towards facilitating greater cooperation between nations is reflective of a shared understanding of the need for collective action in these trying times.
Sources: TH