India and the world are suffering with the outbreak of the Corona Virus (also termed COVID-19) and this is threatening to take down more victims, destroy economies and upset travel plans amongst others.
In this regard, let us explore this phenomenon and other issues that will have affect the world in the coming week,
1. COVID-19-
This virus has spread to about 100 nations and has infected about 1,08,000 and killed more than 3,800 people. Global trade, equity markets and other economic activities have been affected by this virus. There is no end to the spread of this virus.
Everyday, new cases are being reported and number of causalities is on the rise.
Also Read: COVID-19 LIVE| Positive cases in India rises to 42; over 3800 deaths worldwide
The World has to get together and pool in its resources to control the spread of this disease.
2. Delhi riots: Protests in the neighbourhood-
The Delhi riots of February has had its repercussions on Indian foreign policy. Protests in Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Iran are threatening to upset India’s relations with its key strategic partners.
India will pay for its negligence if it doesn’t reach out to its partners and explain the situation to them.
Iran condemns the wave of organized violence against Indian Muslims.
For centuries, Iran has been a friend of India. We urge Indian authorities to ensure the wellbeing of ALL Indians & not let senseless thuggery prevail.
Path forward lies in peaceful dialogue and rule of law.
— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) March 2, 2020
While the investigation into the riots are surely India’s internal matters, foreign policy prudence demands that a nation is able to forecast the repercussions and take precautionary measures.
This is an issue along with the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 and the abrogation of Article 370 that will continue to test the abilities of the foreign policy establishment in Delhi.
3. Syria update-
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Erdogan met to discuss the deteriorating situation in Syria after Turkish soldiers were killed by Russian forces.
This situation has been temporarily defused; however, it is a never-ending situation that has the potential to escalate.
The decade long civil war in Syria has claimed more than 1,00,000 lives; even as the International Community continues to pass the buck and not take action.
4. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s travel plans shelved
The Indian Prime Minister was slated to travel to Brussels for the Indo-EU summit and then to Dhaka to attend the 100th birth anniversary celebrations of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujhibur Rahman. However, in view of the Corona Virus spread, the visit to both these places stand cancelled.
5. Afghanistan peace deal-
Despite the fact that the US and Taliban signed a peace deal, violence has returned to Afghanistan. India warned against this deal and has yet again been proved right.
The intra-Taliban talks will be held in the coming week and it is highly unlikely that this will prove to be success.
The US wanted a quick exit and this deal is being considered as a patch up work.