Tentacles of COVID-19 in India: Impact on Indian Economy, Society, Polity and Geopolitics

Abstract

This article explored the impact of COVID-19 on the Indian economy, society, polity and approach on geopolitics. In the wake of unprecedented pandemic, societies across the world faced never solved conundrum. Taking a proactive stand to contain the spread of virus, India announced nationwide lockdown for one day on March 22, 2020. It was subsequently extended till April 14, 2020. This affected multiple sectors of social life. It is pertinent to map the COVID-19 impact to draft future policies to fight against pandemics. After reviewing the challenges posed to various sectors it was inferred that in the economic sector, MSMEs were found to be the most vulnerable. Sociological impact was identified in cultures, traditions, and living spaces of migrants and destitute. Psychological impact was found to be distress, and fear factors. The current lockdown situation impacted Indian polity on its quasi-federal structure and the importance of centralized health care system within the latter. Finally, on geopolitical approach, COVID-19 might put a backlash on globalization and liberal approaches.