Recent news indicates that India has decided to establish an electronic platform to assist members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. This decision was announced during a virtual conference that brought together health professionals from eight countries in the region.
Key Points: Virtual Conferencing and Proposals
The virtual conferencing of health workers of the SAARC nations was part of two proposals made by the Indian Prime Minister during a recent virtual meeting of SAARC. Alongside the e-platform, the other proposal was the establishment of the SAARC COVID-19 Emergency Fund.
About the E-Platform: Sharing and Exchanging Information
The proposed e-platform will allow SAARC nations to share and exchange information, knowledge, expertise, and best practices to jointly combat the Coronavirus epidemic. Its objectives include training of emergency personnel, disease surveillance, and promoting joint research. Currently, the platform is still under construction. In the meantime, India suggested the creation of a WhatsApp or email group to enable exchange of information among SAARC countries until the platform becomes fully operational.
Country Specific Concerns: Vulnerabilities and Capacities
During the conference, all the countries highlighted their specific vulnerabilities and capacities. They discussed best practices, resource and logistic gaps, private sector participation, and preparedness levels. Community engagement and participation were identified as crucial elements in any anti-Covid19 strategy.
Fight Corona IDEAthon: Seeking Technological Solutions
Recently, a 2-day online IDEAthon was organized with the aim of finding accessible and affordable technological solutions that can contain the spread of infection, alleviate pressure, and ensure speedy return to normalcy. The event was jointly organised by various prominent national and global institutions. The IDEAthon mainly focused on designing reusable/washable masks, creating systems to disinfect currency notes/coins, a non-invasive diagnostic kit, and storage kits for collecting test samples from homes.
Technology Diplomacy by India in SAARC Region
India has shown its initiative in the SAARC region through technology diplomacy. India launched the GSAT-9, also known as the South Asia Satellite, with an aim to provide space-enabled services to other South Asian countries. India invited SAARC member countries to join its advanced navigational satellite programme—GPS-Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN). The Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) is recognized as having potential usefulness for the SAARC countries that rely on foreign systems.
