Keeping to its promise of exponentially increasing the daily COVID-19 tests to 10 lakhs, India has crossed the significant milestone in its fight against COVID today.

In a testament to the determined, focussed, consistent and coordinated efforts of the Centre and the State/UT governments, India has conducted 1 million tests in the past 24 hours. With 10,23,836 tests done yesterday, India has achieved its resolve to test 10 lakh samples daily.

With this achievement, the cumulative tests are more than 3.4 crore (3,44,91,073).

The number of daily tests has been increasing in a steep climb. Average daily tests during the past three weeks also strongly depict the progress made in enhancement of COVID-19 tests across the country.

As has been reported from States/UTs that have pushed ahead with aggressive testing, there is a commensurate decline in the positivity rate. Although higher number of tests will initially lead to a rise in the positivity rate, it will eventually lower when combined with other measures such as prompt isolation, efficient tracking, and timely effective and clinical management.

Combined with enhanced testing, policy decisions of the Centre and the States/UTs have facilitated easy testing across the country. This has boosted the daily testing capacity.

Enhanced diagnostic lab network has also sided in this achievement. Today, the country has a strong network of 1511 labs comprising 983 labs in the government sector and 528 private labs. These include:

• Real-Time RT PCR based testing labs: 778 (Govt: 458 + Private: 320)

• TrueNat based testing labs: 615 (Govt: 491 + Private: 124)

• CBNAAT based testing labs: 118 (Govt: 34 + Private: 84)

For all authentic & updated information on COVID-19 related technical issues, guidelines & advisories please regularly visit: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/ and @MoHFW_INDIA.

Technical queries related to COVID-19 may be sent to technicalquery.covid19@gov.in and other queries on ncov2019@gov.in and @CovidIndiaSeva .

In case of any queries on COVID-19, please call at the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare helpline no.: +91-11-23978046 or 1075 (Toll-free). List of helpline numbers of States/UTs on COVID-19 is also available at https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/coronvavirushelplinenumber.pdf .

The Indian Union Cabinet chaired by the Indian Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for creation of National Recruitment Agency (NRA), paving the way for a transformational reform in the recruitment process for central government jobs.

Recruitment Reform – a major boon for the youth

At present, candidates seeking government jobs have to appear for separate examinations conducted by multiple recruiting agencies for various posts, for which similar eligibility conditions have been prescribed. Candidates have to pay fee to multiple recruiting agencies and also have to travel long distances for appearing in various exams. These multiple recruitment examinations are a burden on the candidates, as also on the respective recruitment agencies, involving avoidable/repetitive expenditure, law and order/security related issues and venue related problems. On an average, 2.5 crore to 3 crore candidates appear in each of these examinations. A common eligibility Test would enable these candidates to appear once and apply to any or all of these recruitment agencies for the higher level of examination. This would indeed be a boon to all the candidates.

National Recruitment Agency (NRA)

A multi-agency body called the National Recruitment Agency (NRA) will conduct a Common Eligibility Test (CET) to screen/shortlist candidates for the Group B and C (non-technical) posts. NRA will have representatives of Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Finance/Department of Financial Services, the SSC, RRB & IBPS. It is envisioned that the NRA would be a specialist body bringing the state-of-the-art technology and best practices to the field of Central Government recruitment.

Access to Examination Centres

Examination Centres in every District of the country would greatly enhance access to the candidates located in far-flung areas. Special focus on creating examination infrastructure in the 117 Aspirational Districts would go a long way in affording access to candidates at a place nearer to where they reside. The benefits in terms of cost, effort, safety and much more would be immense. The proposal will not only ease access to rural candidates, it will also motivate the rural candidates residing in the far-flung areas to take the examination and thereby, enhance their representation in Central Government jobs. Taking job opportunities closer to the people is a radical step that would greatly enhance ease of living for the youth.

Major Relief to poor Candidates

Presently, the candidates have to appear in multiple examinations conducted by multiple agencies. Apart from the examination fees, candidates have to incur additional expenses for travel, boarding, lodging and other such. A single examination would reduce the financial burden on candidates to a large extent.

Women candidates to benefit greatly

Women candidates especially from rural areas face constraints in appearing in multiple examinations as they have to arrange for transportation and places to stay in places that are far away. They sometimes have to find suitable persons to accompany them to these Centres that are located far away. The location of test centres in every District would greatly benefit candidates from rural areas in general and women candidates in particular.

Bonanza for Candidates from Rural Areas

Given the financial and other constraints, the candidates from rural background have to make a choice as to which examination they want to appear in. Under the NRA, the candidates by appearing in one examination will get an opportunity to compete for many posts. NRA will conduct the first-level /Tier I Examination which is the stepping stone for many other selections.

CET Score to be valid for three years, no bar on attempts

The CET score of the candidate shall be valid for a period of three years from the date of declaration of the result. The best of the valid scores shall be deemed to be the current score of the candidate. There shall be no restriction on the number of attempts to be taken by a candidate to appear in the CET subject to the upper age limit. Relaxation in the upper age limit shall be given to candidates of SC/ST/OBC and other categories as per the extant policy of the Government. This would go a long way in mitigating the hardship of candidates who spend a considerable amount of time, money and effort preparing and giving these examinations every year.

Standardised Testing

NRA shall conduct a separate CET each for the three levels of graduate, higher secondary (12th pass) and the matriculate (10th pass) candidates for those non-technical posts to which recruitment is presently carried out by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC), the Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) and by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS). Based on the screening done at the CET score level, final selection for recruitment shall be made through separate specialised Tiers (II, III etc) of examination which shall be conducted by the respective recruitment agencies. The curriculum for this test would be common as would be the standard. This would greatly ease the burden of candidates who are at present required to prepare for each of the examinations separately as per different curriculum.

Scheduling Tests and choosing Centres

Candidates would have the facility of registering on a common portal and give a choice of Centres. Based on availability, they would be allotted Centres. The ultimate aim is to reach a stage wherein candidates can schedule their own tests at Centres of their choice.

OUTREACH ACTIVITIES BY NRA

Multiple languages

The CET would be available in a number of languages. This would greatly facilitate people from different parts of the country to take the exam and have an equal opportunity of being selected.

Scores – access to multiple recruitment agencies

Initially the scores would be used by the three major recruitment agencies. However, over a period of time it is expected that other recruitment agencies in the Central Government would adopt the same. Further, it would be open for other agencies in the public as well as private domain to adopt it if they so choose. Thus, in the long run, the CET score could be shared with other recruiting agencies in the Central Government, State Governments/Union Territories, Public Sector Undertaking and Private Sector. This would help such organizations in saving costs and time spent on recruitment.

Shortening the recruitment cycle

A single eligibility test would significantly reduce the recruitment cycle. Some Departments have indicated their intention to do away with any second level test and go ahead with recruitment on the basis of CET scores, Physical Tests and Medical examination. This would greatly reduce the cycle and benefit a large section of youth.

Financial Outlay

The Government has sanctioned a sum of Rs. 1517.57 crore for the National Recruitment Agency (NRA). The expenditure will be undertaken over a period of three years. Apart from setting up the NRA, costs will be incurred for setting up examination infrastructure in the 117 Aspirational Districts.

As the country tackles the spread of COVID-19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has advocated a push towards making India self-reliant through a series of measures and economic relief packages.

With the advent of the Novel Coronavirus pandemic, a new world economic order is emerging and nations are just coming to terms with it. Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi has been quick in this realisation and has accordingly altered existing policies and introduced several muti-sectoral initiatives to further the vision of a thriving economy for India. Reaffirming his belief, in a recent address, he said, “Howsoever big the crisis might be, India is determined to turn it into an opportunity.” He then called upon the nation for its support in this regard by making India “Aatma Nirbhar” or Self Reliant.  PM Modi also announced a relief package of INR 20 Trillion (equivalent to 10 per cent of India’s GDP) that will steer the country onto the path of rapid development and growth, and create a robust local supply chain. 

India’s plan for self-reliance is intended to be a two pronged approach. The first step will be the undertaking of interim measures such as liquidity infusion and direct cash transfers to migrant workers and daily-wage earners. The second facet would be long-term reforms in growth-critical sectors that will make them globally competitive and attractive.

According to the Prime Minister’s vision, a self-reliant India will stand on five pillars: ‘economy’, that introduces quantum jump; ‘infrastructure’ intune with the new India, a ‘system’ based on 21st century technology; India’s ‘vibrant demography’; and ‘demand’, which will utilise our requirement and supply chain to full capacity. 

Starting right 

PM Modi’s vision of a capable, efficient and self-reliant nation, has quickly been realised and introduced as the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India) initiative. Some immediate reforms are now being factored into policy making decisions to bolster domestic capabilities and upscale production. 

The Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (ANBA) is focussed towards building entire value chains for domestic products that will enable local manufacturers to thrive and reduce the need for imports. The Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade has already identified key sectors followed by measures to boost competitiveness, simplify procedures and encourage direct investments.

Holistic approach

The ANBA has identified the MSME (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) sector, with its significant contributions to the GDP, exports and employment ratio as the core area for economic revival and competence.

As a start, a more inclusive definition has been announced to bring a larger group of small-scale industries under the purview of the beneficial reforms and extend the cover for existing businesses allowing them to grow under the same canopy.

Over 500 million entities will be empowered to restart operations and get back on their feet with momentous reforms for the MSME sector. These include the introduction of collateral free loans (total of INR 3,000 billion), INR 200 Billion in subordinate loans for reviving businesses and a significant infusion of almost INR 500 billion in the sector through several new funds being set up. 

Equal opportunities

With an aim to boost domestic production and expand quality exports, the MEIS (Merchandise Exports from India) scheme is poised to be replaced by the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exports scheme (RDTEP), to offset infrastructural inefficiencies and costs associated with exporting goods produced in India. The government aims to extend these benefits to entities with a capability of generating employment in the country as well. 

The export sector and domestic production will also benefit from the proposed reenvisioning of the existing costs associated with manufacturing. The lowered taxes on exporting goods across borders in addition to the imposition of anti-dumping duties on imports will provide a level playing field to domestic manufacturers. A reform aimed towards increasing production potential locally and to ease the process of exports while simultaneously reducing the dependence on foreign products.  

The new vision

The start-up segment of the Indian space sector has been added as a direct beneficiary for the use of facilities and premier infrastructure of the ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation), India’s state-run space agency. The move has come as an addition to ISRO’s ‘technology transfer’ initiative that provides new-age tech to private and state-run entities towards the betterment of Indian industry.   

The defense industry will also benefit from the freeing-up of the space sector. When it comes to innovative advances towards new-age technology, the pandemic, and the new reforms, will act as a catalyst for development. Moreover, this move will also allow for an opportunity for DSRO (Defence Space Research Organisation), India’s new defence oriented space agency, to become a nodal authority for positive outreach with space start-ups.

The government has also drawn up a new policy for privatisation of Public Sector Enterprise (PSEs) to boost public-private partnerships, which will soon be notified to the concerned sectors.

A stoic defence

In a major highlight, the ANBA has also been extended to India’s defence sector. The FDI (foreign direct investment) cap has been raised to 74% from the existing 49%. This will enable domestic manufacturers to source and utilise critical technologies that will help in the much needed modernisation and revamp of the production process. 

The OFB (Ordinance Factory Board), a 200-year-old organisation will undergo corporatisation to make manufacturing autonomous, boost efficiency and increase accountability. In this reconstruction, one or multiple corporations will be added into the 41 factories currently falling under the OFB. 

Back to basics 

Special attention has been paid to the agriculture sector with its position as India’s largest livelihood provider and a significant contributor to the country’s GDP.  In a first, the sector has been considered at par with the industries in India, and the government, under the ANBA has announced a stream of pioneering reforms aimed towards empowering farmers across India.

Going forward, there will be minimal hindrance arising from trade and licensing agreements, thereby allowing farmers to easily accomplish business transcending state lines. 

Millions of farmers will directly benefit from the INR 300 billion additional emergency working capital to stabilise production in these testing times. With a INR 100 billion capital infusion, Mirco Food Enterprises will now be provided technological benefits in clusters (mango in UP, saffron in J&K, bamboo shoots in the Northeast, chilli in Andhra Pradesh etc.) to standardised quality and production as per FASSAI norms. The products will then be marketed to promote an increase in demand.  

The list of reforms are also aimed towards utilising the surplus of agricultural commodities with amendments to the Essential Commodities Act, made to ensure adequate supply in times of scarcity. These amendments, by utilising the surplus and by providing a subsidy for the transport to deficient markets will create a secure supply/demand chain and protect the interest of Indian farmers.

PM Modi had very recently quoted Swami Vivekananda and urged Indians to use indigenous products and to promote Indian products in global markets, furthering his idea of ‘Vocal for Local’. 

India needs to simultaneously boost authentic exports in order to carve a niche out for itself in the emerging world order. An effort which will not only fast track our journey to become a USD 5 trillion economy, but will also ensure that Indian interests are safeguarded in the years to come. 

Immediate effect

To boost domestic production, the government has imposed an import ban on radial and pneumatic tyres used in two and four wheelers. 

Global tenders of upto INR 2 billion will be restricted to boost production through MSMEs.

INR 20 billion for fishermen through Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). 

The Garib Kalyan Rojgar Yojana (PMGKRY), an INR 50 billion scheme to create jobs for the thousands of migrant workers affected due to the COVID-19 crisis. 

Restrictions on import of incense sticks, bamboo products and odoriferous preparations.

An import ban on specific lists of weapons/platforms to be notified on year-wise timelines to boost indigenisation and domestic production. 

The imposition of an anti-dumping duty on specific steel products to ensure cheap imports does not disrupt domestic production.

About the author: 

Vinayak Surya Swami is a Delhi-based journalist. He holds a degree in mechanical engineering and has worked as an apprentice Shipbuilder with the Indian Navy. A part-time writer since his teenage years, he switched to journalism to pursue his prurience for writing and travel.

India has been restoring several ancient temples and monuments across South-East Asian countries as a part of its development partnership initiatives. The recent conservation projects of the Ministry of External Affairs in collaboration with the Archaeological Survey of India and partner countries has brought forth a rich cultural heritage.

The Southern Asiatic region has been historically heralded as Suvrnabhumi, or the golden land, in ancient Indian literature a title that is true for the immense wealth and more importantly for a vibrant and friendly mix of cultures that is evident in ancient monuments across the countries in this region. India has had an important role to play in preserving this shared cultural heritage. 

The recent discovery of a 9th-century monolithic sandstone Shiv Lingam (representation of Lord Shiva) was made by Archeological Survey of India (ASI) during the ongoing conservation project at Cham Temple Complex, a part of the UNESCO world heritage site, in the Quang Nam province of Vietnam. The project, part of the India’s development partnership with Vietnam though conservation of shared heritage, is being supported by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India. India has been actively involved in large-scale restoration and conservation projects which have reaffirmed the existence of strong cultural connection that thrived throughout the region in ancient times.   

The conservation work of ASI is being carried out at several heritage sites beyond the national boundaries. India has been at the forefront of restoring heritage sites across South-East Asia, be it the Angkor Wat temples in Cambodia or the My Son monuments in Vietnam. These initiatives can be attributed to the country’s policy of promoting a healthy and mutually beneficial diplomatic outreach and bringing numerous facets of Indian cultural and civilizational heritage to the public at large.  

The projects, funded by the MEA with ASI acting as the execution agency, have reaffirmed the ancient albeit strong connections across Southern Asia. Here are a some of large-scale undertakings:

Angkor Wat, Cambodia 

Also known as funan in the ancient texts of India, this city reached its zenith under the leadership of Jayavarmana II. With the beliefs of Vaishnavism, Saivism and Mahayana Buddhism, the prominent archaeological site of Angkor Wat was built by king Suryavaramana II in the 12th century. It consists of magnificent temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. The MEA with the ASI undertook its conservation on a grand scale in collaboration with the Government of Cambodia and have made tremendous efforts to preserve the beauty of these temples. In fact, in 1980, India was the first country to respond to an appeal made by Cambodia to the world community to come forward to help save the Angkor Wat, the centre of the Khmer kingdom for several centuries. The ASI team worked for seven years at the complex, restoring the northern embankment of a moat, a gateway, the grand Samudra Manthana Gallery, the northern library and the central tower of the Angkor Wat temple among other sections. The temples’ extraordinary bas reliefs, decorated panels of folklore and notable iconography have been restored to their former prime. 

Ta Prohm Temple, Cambodia

After Angkor Wat, ASI started restoration of the Ta Prohm temple located in the Angkor World Heritage Site. The temple of Ta Prohm was built by King Suryavaramana VII and is an epicentre of the teachings of Mahayana Buddhism. This particular temple is an ancient monastery and a university, this rajvihara (royal residence) was built by the king in memory of his beloved mother. With the passage of time, Ta Prohm encountered extensive growth of trees and bushes, which grew haphazardly threatening the original structure. The temple was also littered with excessive boulders and mounds that needed removal to form a clear passageway. The conservation project was taken partly under the expertise of ASI permitted by International Coordination Committee and Authority For The Protection And Management Of Angkor And The Region Of Siem Reap (APSARA). The ancient walls adorning the magnificent motifs of Buddhist beliefs and Bodhisattvas are in process of being restored to their original quality.

Ananda temple, Myanmar

The Ananda temple of Myanmar is considered to be one of the most beautiful temples preaching the teachings of Theravada Buddhism. Built by King Kyansittha of Pagan dynasty, this elegant pagoda style temple is an exquisite example of Mon architecture and houses four colossal figures of Lord Buddha. The wall plaques portray his early life forms, the jatakas and their enigmatic stories. The region was devastated by intense seismic activity and the temple frequently requires structural and chemical restoration. The ASI and the MEA with the local authorities of Bagan have taken the restoration responsibilities. 

Vat Phou Temple, Laos 

India shares a strong relationship with the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. The ASI has undertaken the project to restore Laos’ temple of Vat Phou. An ancient structure dating back to the 11th and 13th century, part of an important city of the Khmer empire, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, which later was transformed into a Buddhist centre. The ASI has been working on structural and drainage analysis, restoration as well as documentation that needs to be done for the restoration work of the temple. 

The Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi also highlighted India’s historic and cultural links with Laos and expressed satisfaction at being involved in the restoration of the World Heritage Site at Vat Phou over a telephonic conversation with Dr Thongloun Sisoulith, Prime Minister of Laos in June this year. 

My Son Temple, Vietnam

One of the most prominent temples dedicated to the Bhadreswar form of Lord Shiva, this one-of-a-kind monument and its subsidiary shrines were constructed by the kings of Champa dynasty between the 4th and 14th century.

Archaeological Survey of India has been successfully carrying forward with the conservation work to restore this temple premises. An MoU has been signed between the two countries and with the MEA’s support. Currently, the restoration covers three prominent temple groups falling within the complex. 

Nepal, Indonesia and Sri Lanka

The ASI has been actively involved in the conservation of the Pashupatinath temple in Nepal; the Borobudur temple in Indonesia and the Thirukuteeshwara temple in Sri Lanka. Under ASI’s skillful expertise these temples are being conserved with immense care to their former glory.

As ASI’s experts keep restoring these ancient structures, not only is history being preserved but it is also aiding bilateral relations. It is showing how this cross-pollination of various culturally impacted beliefs, customs and rituals has become an integral part of India’s vision to promote global peace and prosperity. The ideology of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family) seems fairly appropriate as these conservation projects have helped us take a united stand on a global platform, which is only growing stronger with time.

Conservation projects over the years

Bahrain

A team of ASI archaeologists excavated burial mounds in Bahrain in 1983. It excavated 70 graves, six Indus seals and a circular steatite seal with Indus script.

Angola

An ASI team restored and reorganised the Museum of the Armed Forces located inside the 17th century fortress of Sao Miguel in Luanda in 1988-89.

Nepal

In the early 1960s, ASI teams excavated Buddhist archaeological sites in Sidharthanagar, Kapilvastu, Tilaurakot and Lumbini. In the same decade, another team carried out an iconographical survey to discover rare images like Shiva as Ekpada-Trimurti, Chandra riding on a chariot of geese, Mahesha-samhara, etc.

AfgHanistan 

The ASI conserved and restored the 6th century Buddhas of Bamiyan and the 15th century mosque at Balkh of Sufi leader Khwaja Abu Nasr Parsa in the 1960s and explored Harappan, Buddhist and Asokan sites.

Maldives

ASI teams have excavated sites in Kuramathi, Todd and Nilandhe atolls that revealed Buddhist traits. 

Bhutan

The ASI teams carried out preservation of murals of Do de Drak, Nekhang-Lhakhange and Mithragpe-Lhakhang of Tongsa Dzong in the late 1980s. 

Egypt

In the early 1960s, an ASI team visited Nubia to explore, excavate and salvage any ancient artefacts around Afyeh and Tumus and discovered middle and late stone age tools in the process.
About the Author 

Juhi Mirza holds a master’s degree in Archaeology and is a keen enthusiast for all things ancient. The Lucknow-based writer has a deep interest in cultures and traditions of India and the world. She has travelled extensively to document ancient ruins and cultures across the world

A crisis can trigger ruin and catastrophe, but it also sometimes brings out the best in people and nations. More than any other country in the world, India has shown vividly how to creatively and resolutely harness challenges thrown by the ongoing coronavirus crisis to script its own resurgence as well as contribute to global recovery. Amid apocalyptic death, destruction and dislocation unleashed by a rampaging pandemic, India, the world’s fifth largest economy and an emerging global power, has managed to keep its recovery rate high as well as keep the fatality rate less than 2% – one of the lowest in the world. This has been achieved through multi-pronged efforts and initiatives by the Indian government, including a far-sighted initiative to order a nation-wide lockdown in the early stage of the pandemic when there were barely 600 cases in the country. 

World is one Family 

For a country of over 1.3 billion people, managing an epidemic that requires social distancing is an incredibly onerous task, but on balance, India has not only taken care of its own people infected by the virus, but has also complemented domestic efforts with timely international assistance to many countries. This trait of empathy and solidarity with friends and partners in the world is deeply embedded in India’s civilisational ethos of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” and reflects the country’s rising reputation as a global care-giver and first responder in crises, in the exalted spirit of “the world is one family”. India has been prompt to provide essential drugs and medical items to over 150 countries. This medical assistance was provided quietly, without any fanfare, earning India heartfelt gratitude and admiration of countries, big and small. From US President Donald Trump to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, leaders around the world have appreciated India’s timely assistance against a merciless pandemic. 

First Responder 

The pandemic-related assistance also reaffirmed India’s credentials as the first responder to humanitarian crises and a net security provider in the region. In a journey spanning over 7,500 nautical miles over 55 days, Indian Naval Ship Kesari travelled to the Maldives, Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros and Seychelles and delivered assistance to India’s maritime neighbours. A part of Mission SAGAR, which crystalizes Prime Minister Modi’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR),India’s humanitarian assistance included supplies of essential food items, medicines, Ayurvedic medicines and deployment of Medical Assistance Teams (MAT) to Mauritius and Comoros. India also sent medical teams to Maldives, Mauritius, Comoros and Kuwait to support them deal with the pandemic. 

Self-reliant India 

The Covid-19 crisis has sown the seeds of an economic renaissance pivoted around “Atmanirbhar Bharat” that promises to revolutionise domestic manufacturing, and make India the hub of global supply chains. The quest for self-reliance has produced tangible results, with India moving from being a net importer of Covid-19-related medical items to a net exporter. Currently, India is manufacturing over 500,000 personal protective equipment (PPE) kits and over 300,000 N-95 masks every day. India is playing the role as the pharmacy of the world during the Covid-19 pandemic with its vast experience and deep knowledge in medicine, setting the tone for many regional and global initiatives, observed the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Secretary-General Vladimir Norov. 

Diplomatic Outreach 

Given the transnational spread of the coronavirus pandemic, India launched an unprecedented diplomatic outreach to forge a coherent global response to the crisis. Prime Minister Modi displayed global leadership as he participated in various virtual multilateral summits and spoke to his counterparts from 61 countries. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke to foreign ministers from 77 countries. Showcasing India’s Neighbourhood First policy, PM Modi hosted a virtual conference of the leaders of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and pledged $10 million SAARC Emergency Fund to combat the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the region. At the first virtual G20 summit, PM Modi underlined the imperative for a new kind of humane globalization, which goes beyond economic and financial calculations. India’s advocacy for people-centric globalisation was reflected the G-20’s decision on debt service suspension for developing countries. 

India’s Positive Global Role 

The rising global stature of India has been recognised and reaffirmed by the international community in many ways, especially during the last few months of the pandemic. 

India has been elected as the chair of the executive board of the World Health Organisation (WHO) at a time when the world is rooting for reforming the global health body. Underlining India’s rising global stock, US President Donald Trump has proposed the expansion of the G7 grouping of the world’s wealthiest countries to include India, Australia, South Korea and Russia. To cap it all, India was overwhelmingly elected as a non-permanent member of the powerful UN Security Council for a two-year term on June 17. In a record of sorts, India won 184 of the 192 ballots cast in the elections for the five non-permanent UNSC seats. It was a vote of confidence in India’s capability to shape the global agenda. India’s two-year term as a non-permanent member of the UNSC will begin from January 1, 2021.

Setting the tone for the eighth stint of India in the UNSC, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar underscored that India “can play a positive global role,” in the extraordinary situation spawned by the pandemic and stressed that India seeks to move toward NORMS, a ‘New Orientation for a Reformed Multilateral System. Outlining India’s priorities in the UNSC, he said: “We have always been a voice of reason and a votary of international law. We advocate dialogue, consultation and fairness in our approach to global issues. And we emphasize global development, addressing climate change and eradicating of poverty as central to planet’s future.”

India’s work in the UNSC will be guided by 5Ss, in Prime Minister Modi’s words. This included Sammaan – Respect; Samwad – Dialogue; Sahyog – Cooperation; Shanti – Peace, to create conditions for universal;and Samriddhi (Prosperity). This 5S vision of India’s foreign policy, which can be called “The India Way” is finding an increasing global resonance as a Covid-afflicted world searches for lasting solutions to a range of cross-cutting problems and challenges. India is poised to shape a proactive and constructive agenda for global renewal and remapping the world order, in sync with shifting contemporary realities. 

(Manish Chand is CEO & Editor-in-Chief of India Writes Network and India and the World, a pioneering magazine focused on global affairs)