New Delhi: At the PAFI Dialogue organized by Public Affairs Forum of India (PAFI), on Friday Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, Harsh Vardhan Shringla while talking on achieving full potential of trade relations between India- US explained that, “We have the basis to create a framework for enhanced trade momentum between India and the US. It will take some time, but elements are there.”
Stressing his view on Vaccine Passport debate; Mr Shringla said that “there is a huge difference in the percentage of populations vaccinated in developed and developing countries. Vaccine equality should be focused before vaccine passport.”
The theme of the PAFI Dialogue was “India’s Foreign Policy in the post-Covid World – New Vulnerabilities, New Opportunities”.
Elaborating the new opportunities in the post-Covid world; Mr Shringla said that “transition to a virtual world; requirement of derisking and diversifying supply chains and climate change commitments are important three aspect India is looking at”. He also added that “New and emerging technologies such as Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Quantum computing, advanced materials, advanced manufacturing, genetics and biotechnology will create new superpowers”.
Mr Shringla stated that “The digital revolution and new technologies have added a new axis of geotechnology to the intersection of geopolitics and geo-economics. National power today is more about technology and about systems and processes rather than territory”.
He further added “Globalization has to be based on fairness, humanity and equality. India is a constructive contributor to the international order.”
Talking about role of Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) during pandemic, Mr. Shringla said, “MEA is the global arm of the government providing the essential support in the national effort through our diplomatic efforts in Covid related actions”
Stating his views on G7 proposal of 15% corporate tax and OECD proposal of equalization levy, Mr Shringla said, “One of the main concerns of G7 is to make sure that it is responding to this unusual situation of COVID-19. The 15% corporate tax and OECD proposal of equalization levy was proposed in that context where they wanted to make sure that the private sector has an equal stake in contributing to the larger areas like availability of vaccine”.
Mentioning that revival of India-EU FTA talks is creating a positive impact on business sentiments; Mr Shringla said, “We are working with EU from quite some time on considering the possibility of investment agreement. We have our industry associations which are in regular touch with EU associations for structural, industrial level talks. We probably need a lot more of these talks and this has our priority as well.”
Praising efforts of Indian Pharmaceutical industry; Mr Shringla said, “We have created capacities, in terms of hospitals and equipments, so that we are better prepared for future waves that may come. But we will continue to strengthen health infrastructure and domestic manufacturing capacity.”
