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Q. 2) Assess the impact and influence of the two Covid-19 waves on India’s foreign policy. (10 Marks)

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53 responses to “Q. 2) Assess the impact and influence of the two Covid-19 waves on India’s foreign policy. (10 Marks)”

  1. Rahul Kumar Avatar
    Rahul Kumar

    pay_HHfL00yH7yO4Mb

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Rahul,

      This is a 10-mark question, so make it a bit crisp and to the point. You can cut short the introduction by writing some data point on the 2nd wave to show how it was lethal such as positivity rate etc. It will convey more in less words.

      In the body try to combine effects of both waves rather than writing them separately. You can write the present situation and then write 1 line in each point to show how is it different from situation which was there 3-4 months ago.

      You have written good points such as Vaccine maitri, vande bharat, goodwill of India etc However, there is a lot of focus on South Asia and China, make the answer more diverse. Otherwise points get repetitive. You can write about how India is batting for TRIPS waiver with countries like South Africa, how US came on board, COVAX facility etc. Your conclusion is good.

      Overall a good attempt. Just write adhering to the word limit and keep writing.

  2. Vishal Nagle Avatar
    Vishal Nagle

    Ref id 422329

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Vishal,

      Your answer comes out as very generic. Make it a bit nuanced. It is not just about the positives and negatives of the two waves, but their impact on foreign policy.

      You can write the present situation(how diplomats engaged in talks for ensuring vaccine supplies, medicine, TRIPS waiver etc) and then write 1 line in each point to show how is it different from situation which was there 3-4 months ago (comfortable position- vaccine maitri, vande bharat, COVAX facility etc).

      Also since this question is about impact of Covid, no need to write about Siachen etc. In negatives avoid making blunt statements, like if u are writing India-USA relation has been impacted, then write 1 line at least explaining ‘how?’

      You have written way forward, that is good, try writing India needs to reconsider the effects of Covid and reposition itself as a leader by fulfilling its commitments.

      Read some other answers as well. Keep writing.

    2. Vishal Nagle Avatar
      Vishal Nagle

      Thank you sir @swatantra please mark some best answers

  3. subhashree mallick Avatar
    subhashree mallick

    pay_HH1EGxOD3EGEhl

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Subhashree,

      Your introduction part is good. Overall, the structure of the answer is also good. You need to improve the content of the body of the answer a bit.

      Since the question is asking about impact of Covid, you need to write what has changed- use the format of how the situation is now and how it was a few months back for e.g- Vaccine importer from vaccine maitri, entry barrier to Indians in other countries from Vande bharat etc. Also try to write relevant points as much as u can for e.g. write about co-operation on TRIPS issue between Ind-US-SA, Covax etc., Quad argument can be framed better by including diplomacy in Indo-pacific rather than just writing military expenditure will decrease. Quad is still an informal arrangement.

      Some positives can also be mentioned- such as all countries are standing up for India-that is a result of good foreign policy over the years. Your way forward about SAARC and regional health leadership is good.

      Good attempt overall.Keep writing.

  4. Gauri Shankar Meena Avatar
    Gauri Shankar Meena

    Payment Id pay_HHlJ1R1WIIMdGT

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Gauri Shankar,

      You have written a good answer, however you can make some improvement also. In the introduction part, you can write 1 line about the intensity of 2nd wave which caused devastation in the country.

      Your answer structure is good.The question is asking about impact of both waves, your answer is focused on 2nd wave. Show how the situation has changed from 1st wave. You can write about vaccine maitri, vande bharat, TRIPS role of India etc

      You can give some examples also like- we committed Bhutan for both doses after 1st wave but due to 2nd wave we are finding it hard to fulfill.

      Way forward is good, you can write a 1- line conclusion also.

      Read some other answers too. Keep writing.

  5. Utkarsha Yadav Avatar
    Utkarsha Yadav

    Please review
    Payment ID – pay_HHWzC2O9xhkaqA

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Utkarsha,

      Your use of diagram in the introduction is good. However, it seems something is missing in the 2nd line.

      In the body, focus more on foreign policy. Infrastructural issues is more about domestic policy. Also make the answer more diverse. Discuss India’s transition during the two waves, incorporate how India was placed after wave- use vaccine maitri, vande bharat etc Also you can write about TRIPS co-operation and COVAX initiative to diversify.

      Some positives can also be mentioned- such as all countries are standing up for India-that is a result of good foreign policy over the years.

      Good attempt. Keep writing. Best wishes

  6. Kartikey Singh Avatar
    Kartikey Singh

    Payment Id – pay_HHogiMPYpQ87sC

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Kartikey,

      Your points are good in the answer. However, you can work on presentation. Use sub-headings in the answer to increase visibility.
      Write 1-2 lines in the introduction about severity of 2nd wave and the devastation it brought.
      In the way forward you can put across ideas like cooperation in regional forums like SAARC, regional health multilateralism etc

      Some positives in the body can also be mentioned- such as all countries are standing up for India-that is a result of good foreign policy over the years.

      Read some other good answers also. Keep writing.

  7. Deepanshu Singh Avatar
    Deepanshu Singh

    Razorpayment ID: pay_HH1ukgfngo01Dy
    Please review

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Deepanshu,

      You have written a decent answer, but there is scope for improvement. In the introduction you can add 1 line about the intensity of 2nd covid wave and the the way it has induced foreign aid dependence.

      In the body try to combine effects of both waves rather than writing them separately. You can write the present situation and then write 1 line in each point to show how is it different from situation which was there 3-4 months ago.That will give freshness to the answer.

      In the way forward/conclusion you can put across ideas like cooperation in regional forums like SAARC, regional health multilateralism etc It will make the answer more foreign-policy specific.
      Goodwill for India as a result of successful foreign policy over the years can also be mentioned.

      Have a look at others’ answers also. Keep writing.

  8. yash lahane Avatar
    yash lahane

    please review
    #0000422529

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Yash,

      You have written a good answer, especially your introduction and 2nd paragraph is good.
      You can add some more points like collaboration on TRIPS,COVAX and goodwill for India on the positive side.

      Also, u can give examples of countries like Bhutan to substantiate your arguments.
      1-2 lines about China taking advantage of the situation can also be added.

      Your presentation and structure of the answer is good. Just keep writing.

  9. Sivateja Sunkara Avatar
    Sivateja Sunkara

    pay_HHI5e7xZqC0yGj

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Sivateja,

      This is a 10-mark question, so make it a bit crisp and to the point. You can cut short the introduction by writing some data point on the 2nd wave to show how it was lethal such as positivity rate etc. It will convey more in less words.
      Since this is a question specifically about foreign policy, avoid points on domestic policy and economy. Instead you can write about Vaccine Maitri, Vande bharat etc

      In the last 2-3 paragraphs, some of your points get repeated such as conciliatory tone with China etc..avoid doing that

      Don’t use lengthy sentences with big words, simpler sentences will make the answer more coherent.

      Some positives in the body can also be mentioned- such as all countries are standing up for India-that is a result of good foreign policy over the years.

      You can also start writing sub-heading in such questions to give more visibility to certain points.

      Read some other answers too. Keep writing.

    2. Sivateja Sunkara Avatar
      Sivateja Sunkara

      Okay sir

  10. Naresh Venkat Saragadam Avatar
    Naresh Venkat Saragadam

    REF ID: #0000422921
    Please review

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Naresh,

      Your answer is neat and well presented but try to make it a bit richer in content. Introduction is good. In the body part u can add-
      China factor(entering our strategic space)
      policies like vaccine maitri, vande bharat after 1st wave
      co-operation on TRIPS waiver, COVAX initiatives
      example of countries like Bhutan( fully dependent on India, now left on their own)

      Give sub-headings to ensure visibility of coverage of various points.
      In conclusion you can write about- India should consider to reposition itself after the crisis by leveraging institutions such as SAARC, regional health multilateralism etc

      Good attempt. Try to incorporate more points. Keep writing.

    2. Naresh Venkat Saragadam Avatar
      Naresh Venkat Saragadam

      Hi sir,
      can i have your email id?

  11. Sakshi Jain Avatar
    Sakshi Jain

    #0000417593

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Sakshi,

      You have written a decent answer. However, use some nuance. Don’t use terms like ‘virus provider’, or big brother. You can use ‘from the place where the virus first originated’. Big brother attitude is something our neighbors have spoken against.

      Also, India supports patent waiver as a principled stand, it was not forced by covid. You can argue that diplomatically India engaged countries like SA and USA and got their support on TRIPS waiver issue.
      Your introduction and content of the body is good. However, use terms like Vaccine Maitri, Vande bharat as the question is about both waves not just the second. Show how the situation is different after 1st wave and 2nd wave(impact).
      You can improve the conclusion part by adding that India can reposition itself by leveraging regional forum like SAARC, regional health multilateralism etc

      Read some other answers to get more perspectives. Keep writing.

  12. shivanshu pandey Avatar
    shivanshu pandey

    0000416168 please check

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Shivanshu,

      You have written a decent answer. Your introduction and body of the answer is good. However, try to write a proper way forward. In gs2 and gs 3 it always helps.

      You can improve the way forward part by adding that India can reposition itself by leveraging regional forum like SAARC, regional health multilateralism etc

      You have brought out the impact of the 2nd wave well, however you can add some points like China gaining ground in India’s neighborhood, India’s diplomacy over TRIPS waiver, COVAX facility etc

      Some positives in the body can also be mentioned- such as all countries are standing up for India-that is a result of good foreign policy over the years. Use hub and spoke diagram if word limit is a constraint.

      Read other answers too. Keep writing.

  13. Deepali Rajan Avatar
    Deepali Rajan

    kindly review
    ref id: 0000430326

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Deepali,

      You have started the answer well, impacts of 1st wave has also been brought out well. However, focus more on impact on foreign policy after 2nd wave-rather than domestic issues. You can write about India losing regional primacy, China entering our strategic space, loss of diplomatic capital in regions such as Indo-Pacific.
      Also u can write 1-2 lines about cooperation in global issues such as TRIPS waiver, Covax facility

      Also, you have ended the answer abruptly. It is not clear what do you mean by ‘extremist foreign policy’. You should write a way forward in such questions.
      In way forward you can write about- India should consider to reposition itself after the crisis by leveraging institutions such as SAARC, regional health multilateralism etc

      Also try to write in 2 pages as given in exam. Keep writing.

  14. Vivek H Avatar
    Vivek H

    Payment Id: 115213946268

    Answer to 2nd question

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Vivek,

      You have written a good answer. Presentation and structure both are good. However, in content try to use some more keywords like Vaccine maitri, vande bharat after 1st wave.

      You can also write about cooperation with SA etc on TRIPS waiver, Covax facility etc.

      Examples of countries like Bhutan can be used to substantiate your argument about regional primacy.
      Try to start underlining some key terms and phrases. It increases the visibility of your answer.

      Read some other answers too.Keep writing.

  15. SUMITA DOWERAH Avatar
    SUMITA DOWERAH

    Payment Id
    pay HFrdyJMOEZ9967

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Sumita,

      You have invested a lot in writing the introduction part. Write just 1 or 2 lines and come straight to foreign policy, otherwise it unnecessarily eats up the word limit and leaves less space for some core concerns of the queastion.

      Impact on foreign policy after 1st wave has been brought out very well, however impact after 2nd wave leaves scope for improvement in the answer. Write about China factor, diplomacy on TRIPS waiver, less diplomatic capital to invest in Indo-Pacific region etc.

      If you feel constrained by word limit, you can integrate impacts of both waves. In each point write the current situation and then 1-2 line about how the situation was a few months ago- for e.g- from Vaccine Maitri to vaccine shortage, Vande bharat to entry barrier for Indians etc Also avoid silly mistakes like putting India in SE Asia, Indian region is the south Asian region.

      You have written a good answer but try to make it more crisp and to the point. Keep writing.

  16. Anupam Singh Avatar
    Anupam Singh

    Ref_id# 422544

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Anupam,

      First of all, try to write in 2 pages just like in exam.
      Your introduction is very generic, try to write about how the 2nd wave particularly effected India and forced India to take foreign aid after a gap of 17 years.

      Some of the points you have written are off topic. Write about impact of covid, and not about countering China. Write about Vande bharat mission, TRIPS Waiver, Covax facility etc.. On China you can write about how it is effecting India’s neighborhood first policy as neighbors like Bhutan and Nepal are going to China for help because of inability of India to help due to Covid 2nd wave. Military agreements with US are not an impact of Covid.

      Some positives in the body can also be mentioned- such as all countries are standing up for India-that is a result of good foreign policy over the years.

      Write a proper way forward in such questions. In way forward you can write about- India should consider to reposition itself after the crisis by leveraging institutions such as SAARC, regional health multilateralism etc

      Your structure of the answer is good but try to be relevant to the question.Keep writing.

  17. Sushmita Avatar
    Sushmita

    Please review sir
    Payment Id: pay_HHNZ7RGmO4BG6P

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Sushmita,

      First of all, try to write in 2 pages just like in exam.

      You have started the answer well, use keywords like vaccine maitri, vande bharat etc

      Points 1, 3 and 4 are good, point 2 is irrelevant with respect to foreign policy, instead you can write about TRIPS waiver, contribution to Covax facility etc

      Write a proper way forward in such questions. In way forward you can write about- India should consider to reposition itself after the crisis by leveraging institutions such as SAARC, regional health multilateralism etc

      Read some other answers too.Keep writing.

  18. Mradul sharma Avatar
    Mradul sharma

    Ref id – #0000422539. please review.

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Mradul,

      You have written a good answer. Introduction is well-written. Body is also good. Some points seem repetitive though such as regional primacy, india-china, india-nepal, neighborhood etc. All of these can be clubbed into one point and you can make the answer more diverse by writing about contribution in Covax facility, reducing geo-political clout in Indo-pacific etc.

      Write a proper way forward in such questions. In way forward you can write about- India should consider to reposition itself after the crisis by leveraging institutions such as SAARC, regional health multilateralism etc

      Your presentation skills are good. Keep writing.

  19. Santosh kharat Avatar
    Santosh kharat

    Reference I’d 115009045817

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Santosh,

      Good effort. Try to bring more clarity in your answers by using smaller sentences, proper spacing etc. Don’t use he/his for India, you can use she sometimes or simply write ‘the country’.

      Try to use more data/ facts in the answer. In the intro, mention the intensity with which the second Covid-19 caused devastation in India rather than writing generic statements. Write about how India was forced to take foreign aid after 17 years.

      Use keywords in the body like Vande bharat, Covax facility, TRIPS waiver etc.. It will make your answer more diverse.

      Write a proper way forward in such questions. In way forward you can write about- India should consider to reposition itself after the crisis by leveraging institutions such as SAARC, regional health multilateralism etc

      Keep writing. Together we’ll improve.

  20. Arpit Singh Avatar
    Arpit Singh

    Payment id HHU8LODCXBY9DB

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Arpit,

      Your introduction, structure of the answer as well as presentation is good. However, you can make it more content rich.

      Under positive impacts don’t miss out on important aspects such as help India provided under Vaccine Maitri, Vande bharat, Covax facility. Write the keywords.

      Under negative impacts write about how China has entered into India’s strategic space with countries like Bhutan going to China for help, how it has impacted neighborhood first policy of India, reducing geo-political clout of India in regions like Indo-Pacific etc

      Write a proper way forward in such questions. In way forward you can write about- India should consider to reposition itself after the crisis by leveraging institutions such as SAARC, regional health multilateralism etc

      Read some other answers also. Keep writing.

  21. Rupesh Kumar Pandey Avatar
    Rupesh Kumar Pandey

    Ref Id #0000416426
    Please review

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Rupesh,

      Your introduction is good, you have started well. However you need to make the answer content rich. The answer gives a feeling you are too much concerned with India’s image. Write it in 1 point, don’t pay so much attention to what foreign press is writing, write more facts, such as-
      in negatives you can write how India failed to keep its commitments to countries like Bhutan, which then went to China, thus increasing the space for China in our neighborhood, use some data like how we were forced to take foreign aid after 17 years.

      Also write about India’s good or bad policies, not about what people say. In positives write about Vaccine Maitri, Vande Bharat, India supporting a TRIPS patent waiver etc which all have created goodwill for India.Use the keywords and underline for proper visibility.

      Write a proper way forward in such questions. In way forward you can write about- India should consider to reposition itself after the crisis by leveraging institutions such as SAARC, regional health multilateralism etc

      Read some other answers, try to make answer more nuanced. Keep writing.

  22. Murari Jha Avatar
    Murari Jha

    UPI Reference id:114715258066

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Murari,

      Your introduction is good, you have started well. However, in the body try to include more points. Make the answer diverse. Cut down on irrelevant statement such as lack of beds, ICU etc in context of the question. The question is about foreign policy, so save your word limit for it. Otherwise, it will be difficult to manage.In positives after 1st wave use keyword like Vaccine Maitri, Vande Bharat etc

      In effects after 2nd wave mention about danger of India losing regional primacy, China entering our strategic space, loss of diplomatic capital in regions such as Indo-Pacific, jolt to Neighborhood First policy

      Also suggest a way forward in such questions. In way forward you can write about- India should consider to reposition itself after the crisis by leveraging institutions such as SAARC, regional health multilateralism etc. In gs2 and gs 3 answers try to write way forward.

      Conclusion is good. Keep writing.

  23. Shikhar Lohia Avatar
    Shikhar Lohia

    Payment ID – pay_HHRDszyfOKKRDw

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Shikhar,

      Your introduction and effects on foreign policy after 1st wave are very good. Additionally you can use keywords like Vaccine Maitri, Vande Bharat etc

      Hoewever you have missed points in effects after 2nd wave, write about difficulties India is facing w.r.t foreign policy. Mention about danger of India losing regional primacy, China entering our strategic space, loss of diplomatic capital in regions such as Indo-Pacific, jolt to Neighborhood First policy etc

      Give examples like countries like Bhutan and Nepal going towards China for help after India failed to keep its vaccine commitments after the devastation faced by 2nd wave.

      You can make the way forward more relevant by such points- India should consider to reposition itself after the crisis by leveraging institutions such as SAARC, regional health multilateralism etc.

      Conclusion is good. Keep writing.

  24. Fun Learning with Rajlaxmi. Avatar
    Fun Learning with Rajlaxmi.

    Review
    Ref no 0000420120

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Rajlaxmi,

      This is a 10-mark question. Try to complete it inside two pages. Introduction is good. Also in effects after 2nd wave, try to use foreign policy keywords as you have done in the effects of 1st wave.

      Mention about danger of India losing regional primacy, China entering our strategic space, loss of diplomatic capital in regions such as Indo-Pacific, jolt to Neighborhood First policy etc. Also you can mention about India co-operating with countries on Covax facility,

      Also you can club all points regarding shortage of vaccines in one point. Otherwise it eats up your word limit and you miss out on making the answer more diverse. No need to write about domestic shortages etc.
      Also make the way forward more relevant to foreign policy. 1st point in way forward not required.
      Instead you can write– India should consider to reposition itself after the crisis by leveraging institutions such as SAARC, regional health multilateralism etc.

      Read some other answers also. Keep writing.

  25. Vishnu Agrawal Avatar
    Vishnu Agrawal

    Order id: 0000422561

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Vishnu

      Your answer is good but avoid passing judgements in the introduction. Just write the impact of 2nd wave, how we had to ask for foreign aid after 17 years, that will do.

      Also write about some effects after 1st wave, question is about both waves. Use keywords like Vaccine Maitri, Vande Bharat etc

      Rather than explaining one point in detail, try to include more points. Mention about danger of India losing regional primacy, China entering our strategic space(give example of Bhutan, Nepal seeking help from China) loss of diplomatic capital in regions such as Indo-Pacific, jolt to Neighborhood First policy etc. Also you can mention about India co-operating with countries on Covax facility

      Also suggest a way forward in such questions. In way forward you can write about- India should consider to reposition itself after the crisis by leveraging institutions such as SAARC, regional health multilateralism etc. In gs2 and gs 3 answers try to write way forward.Conclusion is good.

      Keep writing.

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