ON MARCH 26, at the virtual G20 summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked the world leaders to “reform and strengthen intergovernmental organisations like the World Health Organization”. India has neither openly criticised the WHO’s current leadership, nor has it condoned the organisation’s turning a blind eye to China’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic. Modi’s statement is, however, a demand for a much-needed change within the WHO.
While American president Donald Trump has withdrawn funding to the WHO, and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison is urging world leaders to demand an investigation into the pandemic, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said: “The WHO is an important partner in India’s fight against Covid-19.” India rarely criticises an international body that it is a member of, or even a nation, outright, and in public. Usually, the opinion is conveyed quietly, and in person.
This story is from the May 10, 2020 edition of THE WEEK.
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This story is from the May 10, 2020 edition of THE WEEK.
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