COVID-19 in South Asia: India and Pakistan’s responses and China’s regional ambitions

In this week’s episode, Meia Nouwens speaks with Viraj Solanki and Antoine Levesques on how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected South Asia.

Viraj discusses the ways India’s nationwide lockdown has evolved since it was initially imposed in late March and the impact this response has had on India’s society and economic prospects.

Antoine, meanwhile, examines Pakistan’s own response to COVID-19, including the role the military has played in combatting the virus and what this crisis may mean for Pakistan’s economic future.

Meia, Antoine and Viraj also discuss China’s burgeoning presence in the region, from the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to the technical and medical assistance China has given to small island nations in the Indian Ocean.

Finally, Viraj explains India’s own efforts to develop its regional leadership credentials by reinforcing its bilateral and multilateral relationships in South Asia and beyond.

We hope you enjoy listening to the episode. Don’t forget to follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

Date of recording: 12 May 2020

Sounds Strategic is recorded and produced at the IISS in London.

Theme music: ‘Safety in Numbers’ by We Were Promised Jetpacks

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