AFTER the hiccups in personal meetings to chalk out a long-term plan for mutual benefits, Britain’s Prime Minister Mr. Boris Johnson and PM Mr. Narendra Modi finally could hold a virtual summit to kickstart a long-lasting Indo-UK partnership in crucial sectors. The meeting between the two premiers has opened gates for a comprehensive union of the two economies in the post-pandemic world where every country is seeking a robust trade partnership delivering equal gains. The interim trade pact with the UK, especially after the completion of Brexit, is a big opportunity for Indian business houses to tap the vast UK markets on their own terms now that the European Union has formally severed ties with Britain. The Indo-UK partnership in sectors like defence and health care also opens up several opportunities for Indian manufacturers to strike new and long-lasting deals which will only provide great impetus to the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ programme. Raw material from the UK to the pharmaceutical sector will enhance India’s image as world’s biggest pharmacy. The 10-year plan must now be acted upon with total urgency by both the partners.

 

MISSION MODE TOP American public health expert Dr. Anthony Fauci’s terming of India’s coronavirus situation as ‘very desperate’ is one part of truth, for, the measures he has suggested to control the pandemic are already in place. Dr. Fauci’s dire assessment of India in wake of rising infections in the second wave of COVID-19 is absolutely in tune with the scenes presented in foreign media. He has rightly called for stricter measures to contain the spread but most of the suggestions he made have already been implemented by the Government.Marshalling of all resources including the Armed Forces was the immediate response by the Centre when cases started rising in the last two months. Of course, the response could have been planned pretty early in anticipation of the second wave. Yet, the suggestions Dr. Fauci made were already in the planning book of the authorities. What is now needed is ramping up all the available infrastructure and facilities with a missionary zeal. The Armed Forces have shown the way with building of makeshift field hospitals. It is now imperative for the States to emulate the same and stand shoulder to shoulder with the Centre.