India is playing catch-up on COVID-19 management

Significance

Although it has one of the lowest case fatality rates globally, it has registered more coronavirus deaths per million of population than most other South Asian countries. Its COVID-19 burden has grown despite the imposition earlier this year of a strict nationwide lockdown.

Impacts

• The government will redouble its commitment to a 2017 National Health Policy, which aims to improve public health in all states.
• India will try to underline its credentials as a global leader in the provision of essential medical supplies.
• Delhi will continue to discuss pandemic relief strategies with its key security partners.