India’s Post-pandemic Foreign Policy in South Asia: Special Reference to the Vaccine Diplomacy

Abstract

This research study delves into the intricate and evolving foreign policy landscape of India within the South Asian region in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a particular emphasis on "Vaccine Diplomacy." As the world faced unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic, India emerged as a key player in global response drawing international attention for its vaccine production and distribution efforts. This research examines India's multifaceted approach to regional diplomacy, focusing on its strategic and diplomatic outreach, particularly in the context of providing COVID-19 vaccines to neighboring countries. The study assesses the geopolitical implications, economic interests, and soft power dynamics that underlie India's South Asian policy post-pandemic. The study also evaluates the challenges and opportunities that India faces in consolidating its position as a regional leader in South Asia through its vaccine diplomacy efforts. Employing a mixed-methods approach, this research combines qualitative analysis of diplomatic discourse and policy documents with quantitative assessment of vaccine distribution data. The findings highlight the necessity for cooperative solutions to handle common regional problems by illuminating the intricate interaction between politics, diplomacy, and public health in forming India's post-pandemic foreign policy. In conclusion, the study seeks to contribute to the understanding of the evolving dynamics in the region and the role of vaccine diplomacy in shaping India's regional and global influence.