Vaccines with a shot of diplomacy: An analysis of the dynamics of power play between India and China

Abstract

This paper aims to portray the strategic usage of vaccine diplomacy by India and China in their efforts for regional and global supremacy.The paper begins with an analysis of power and its types as well as the ways in which it manifests itself in the real world. This is followed by an evaluation of vaccine diplomacy as a soft power and what distinguishes it from other forms of soft power. The paper then segues into a comparative analysis on India and China, with comparisons being made across the following metrics: outreach and quantum of vaccines donated, the conditionality of vaccines, diplomatic incentives and limitations faced in donating vaccines.There is no clear winner in the battle. China trumps over India in terms of outreach but India’s outreach donates vaccines while China sells them. The winner might not be clear but the path that India takes now may determine its future. 1. India must inoculate its domestic population. 2. India must revamp its vaccination program with assistance from its Quad allies. 3. India must begin locally albeit with an aim to go global. 4. India should either drastically subsidize all its vaccines or increase the proportion of vaccines donated for free vis a vis those sold commercially. 5. India must attempt to make inroads in countries where the efficacy of China’s vaccines came under question. 6. India must try to take pre-emptive action to begin research on diseases predicted to rise with the insurgence of climate change. As long as a pathogen exists, some one or the other will hold a monopoly on its vaccine and vaccines will continue to be served with a shot of diplomacy.