Category: Current Affairs

The international diplomacy has swung dynamically over the last three months. Nation-states are no longer shopping for multi-role fighter jets, ballistic missiles, rockets, guns, and submarines but tablets to prevent or fight COVID-19.

During WWII, Malaria was considered to be a dreaded disease. A large number of British/ Indian troops use to fall sick due to malaria. There were more casualties due to sickness than due to the battle.

To overcome this, it was decided to administer Quinine a bitter compound that comes from the bark of the cinchona tree known for its anti-malarial action for almost 400 years known as Hydroxychloroquine or HCQ. Hydroxychloroquine tablets used to be compulsory inventory and must-have during evening roll calls in the Army.

It used to be very bitter and hence called the bitter pill. The tradition continued even after the Great War was over. While, I was undergoing training at Indian Military Academy, Dehradun in 1978-79, quinine was given as a preventive medicine during malaria season. Those who made faces were not even given water. Little did we know that one day this bitter pill would go on to lay the foundations of a new era in international relations?

The international diplomacy has swung dynamically over the last three months. Nation-states are no longer shopping for multi-role fighter jets, ballistic missiles, rockets, guns, and submarines but tablets to prevent or fight COVID-19. Even superpowers are requesting developing countries like India to provide them inconspicuous medicines like Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and Paracetamol.

HCQ, commonly called quinine or bitter pill and its poor cousin paracetamol are  like two pretty teenage girls- unnoticed in the entire village till they were suddenly crowned Miss Universe and Miss World 2020. After they suddenly became famous all the countries want to invite them into their countries. HCQ is a combination of chloroquine, a traditional anti-malaria drug, and paracetamol a pain reliever that also brings down a fever. These are now being used to prevent and symptomatically management COVID-19.

India produces 70% of the world’s supply of HCQ. This is why not just US President Trump, but heads of 30 other countries are requesting India for the drug to fight COVID19.  India can produce 40 tons of HCQ tablets 200 mg each in a month — enough to treat all patients in every country of the world. Supplies from India can treat the entire Universe.

India’s “medical diplomacy” by lifting the Export Ban on HCQ is enhancing its image as “a responsible Nation-State” and a ‘true friend in need’. India today, is sending shiploads of medicines to 120 nations in the world – more than half of the world.

India has an advantage in the bitter pill diplomacy in post-corona international scenarios. Even once the pandemic is brought under control, India will have to proactively help to rebuild a new world.

India’s advantages in the new world scenario can be flagged:

• India can emerge as a more stable and mature – leader with the political will, and 1.30 billion united and experienced people to fight against Corona.
• India can provide a viable alternative to China and offer cheap labor, land, infrastructure and allied facilities
• The huge consumer base of 1.30 billion people
• A manufacturing and outsourcing hub to produce and market innovative and standard quality products for the domestic and nearby export markets
• Capitalize on the goodwill earned by timely supply medicines as a real ‘friend in need’.
• Closer Indo-US alliance
• Transitioning as a new, efficient and effective partner in IT Services, Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology, and Medical tourism sectors.

If all the above ingredients are added in right quantities as per a well-prepared recipe, the day is not far when India will serve the world a dish, better than “chowmein” which everyone will lap it up.