Hyderabad: India and the Netherlands can collaborate closely on advance warning systems as well as other aspects of coronavirus and other epidemics, says Indian envoy Venu Rajamony. Speaking from Hague, Ambassador Rajamony told Senior Journalist Smita Sharma that some multi-national companies like Johnson and Johnson have major research firms in the Netherlands, and Indian and Dutch governments have an opportunity to work together on R&D. The Netherlands has adopted a 'limited lockdown' model which will be interesting to observe and share notes about for India to consider in its post-lockdown easing blueprints, says the envoy.
As per directives from Prime Minister Modi conveyed through his recent video conferencing with Indian envoys, the missions are providing all possible support to diaspora and stranded citizens in respective host countries, and also learning from best practices adopted by different nations to fight the pandemic. Their roles also include sourcing options for PPEs and rapid testing kits as well as coordinating with foreign governments to provide Indian medical support.
Ambassador Rajamony assured that Indian students who were stranded in transit a few weeks back were provided necessary support, and food and accommodation requests of others in the country is being addressed.
Ambassador Rajamony also said that Dutch business companies have raised some concerns about supply chains in India which are under discussion. He added that the IT sector will likely provide more opportunities for Indians in the day ahead.
In response to a question about Europe's response to President Trump's decision to withdraw funding from WHO alleging bias towards China, Ambassador Rajamony remarked that European nations do believe that now is not the time for 'post-mortem' of the pandemic. He also added that like in India, companies in Europe have expressed reservations about hostile Chinese takeovers and it is being watched closely by the governments in the region.
