Indian-American Neera Tanden has been nominated by Joe Biden to the Office of Management & Budget at the White House. She will be the first woman of colour to head the influential post. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: The Indian-American face in Biden's team

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expressed concern for the farmers in India. But, his government has been one of the most vocal challengers to India's agriculture subsidies at the World Trade Organisation. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Canada: A vocal challenger to India's Farm Subsidies | Gravitas

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was given a cold shoulder by India during his visit in 2018. Molly Gambhir tells you what went wrong - and why Trudeau has had an uneasy relationship with India.

Gravitas: Justin Trudeau's difficult relationship with India

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has expressed concern over the ongoing farmer protests in India. In a statement, India said Trudeau's remarks are 'ill-informed'. Molly Gambhir tells you why the Canadian Prime Minister has no locus standi to comment on India's internal issues.

Gravitas: Is Justin Trudeau pandering to his domestic vote bank?

The inside story of the Chinese Defence minister 10-hour stay in Nepal and postponement/cancellation of Bangladesh visit. And salvation in Pakistan!

When the Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe arrived in Nepal with around two dozen delegates, top Nepali sources say he had several things on his mind and plate but most of which could not be savoured!

China wanted to have a bilateral with the Nepal Defence minister who happens to be the PM KPS Oli. This was declined under the protocol.

What he eventually got was a courtesy call.

Next China proposed a meeting with Dy PM (the Defence minister before Oli took charge from him) Ishwor Pokharel, that too was declined.

Finally, Wei had to settle with the bilateral with the Nepali Army Chief PC Thapa. Under international protocols considered to be a step-down.

Sources confirm that the Chinese embassy in Nepal had planned a lunch in which all the former Foreign Ministers and Defence Ministers of Nepal were to be invited. But after reservation expressed by the Nepal government, this too was stalled.

There were no meetings granted with any political parties or top leaders as well. It is learnt that meetings were being organised with former PMs like Prachanda, Madhav Nepal and Jhalanath Khanal and two former Dy PMs Bamdev Gautam, Narayan Kazi Shreshtha. This too was shelved.

In the 10 hours stay what Wei eventually managed was two courtesy calls with the PM and President of Nepal and the bilateral with Army chief Thapa.

It is understood that China realising all this and pre-empting the cold shoulder that it was expected to receive and came out with a press statement on the eve of sudden Nepal visit which mentioned courtesy calls and meeting with Army chief.

<img alt="Ministry of Defence (Nepal)" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0bfff29e-f0a1-46cc-92bf-5b465171df29" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Nepal%20defence%20minitry.JPG" />

The story was the same when it came to Bangladesh. China Defence minister planned to visit Bangladesh but had to postpone it.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a> 
 
Chinese Defense Minister is coming to Bangladesh on a surprise visit tomorrow. 
He will meet Bangladeshi high level defense officers and other respective authorities for strengthening the bilateral defense relations with Bangladesh. <a href="https://t.co/76zZnMyai1">pic.twitter.com/76zZnMyai1</a>
— Defense Technology of Bangladesh-DTB (@DefenseDtb) <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenseDtb/status/1333049668557651970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
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There was no official reason cited by any side but the reason projected was that the Bangladesh FM, his Dy and FS were Covid infected- a reason which analysts are unable to digest!

And then suddenly Wei and team made their appearance in all-weather ally Pakistan.

The inside story of the Chinese Defence minister 10-hour stay in Nepal and postponement/cancellation of Bangladesh visit. And salvation in Pakistan! When the Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe arrived in Nepal with around two dozen delegates, top Nepali sources say he had several things on his mind and plate but most of which could not be savoured!

The inside story of the Chinese Defence minister 10-hour stay in Nepal and postponement/cancellation of Bangladesh visit. And salvation in Pakistan! When the Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe arrived in Nepal with around two dozen delegates, top Nepali sources say he had several things on his mind and plate but most of which could not be savoured! China wanted to have a bilateral with the Nepal Defence minister who happens to be the PM KPS Oli. This was declined under the protocol. What he eventually got was a courtesy call. Next China proposed a meeting with Dy PM (the Defence minister before Oli took charge from him) Ishwor Pokharel, that too was declined. Finally, Wei had to settle with the bilateral with the Nepali Army Chief PC Thapa. Under international protocols considered to be a step-down. Sources confirm that the Chinese embassy in Nepal had planned a lunch in which all the former Foreign Ministers and Defence Ministers of Nepal were to be invited. But after reservation expressed by the Nepal government, this too was stalled. There were no meetings granted with any political parties or top leaders as well. It is learnt that meetings were being organised with former PMs like Prachanda, Madhav Nepal and Jhalanath Khanal and two former Dy PMs Bamdev Gautam, Narayan Kazi Shreshtha. This too was shelved. In the 10 hours stay what Wei eventually managed was two courtesy calls with the PM and President of Nepal and the bilateral with Army chief Thapa. It is understood that China realising all this and pre-empting the cold shoulder that it was expected to receive and came out with a press statement on the eve of sudden Nepal visit which mentioned courtesy calls and meeting with Army chief. The story was the same when it came to Bangladesh. China Defence minister planned to visit Bangladesh but had to postpone it. #BREAKING Chinese Defense Minister is coming to Bangladesh on a surprise visit tomorrow. He will meet Bangladeshi high level defense officers and other respective authorities for strengthening the bilateral defense relations with Bangladesh. pic.twitter.com/76zZnMyai1 — Defense Technology of Bangladesh-DTB (@DefenseDtb) November 29, 2020 × There was no official reason cited by any side but the reason projected was that the Bangladesh FM, his Dy and FS were Covid infected- a reason which analysts are unable to digest! And then suddenly Wei and team made their appearance in all-weather ally Pakistan.

Chinese defence minister 'snubbed' by Nepal and Bangladesh

Reiterating its stance yet again, India refused to extend support to China's mega connectivity project OBOR or One Belt One Road initiative at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization or SCO. India was the only country in the 8 member grouping, which refused to support the project that has often been in news for its lack of transparency and whooping cost for the host country.

The joint communique after India hosted SCO Heads of Government meet said, "The Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan, reaffirming their support for China’s "One Belt, One Road” (OBOR) Initiative (BRI)."

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/factually-incorrect-and-unwarranted-india-hits-out-at-islamic-nations-for-pak-sponsored-references-to-kashmir-in-oic-resolutions-346358">‘Factually incorrect and unwarranted’: India hits out at Islamic Nations for Pak-sponsored references to Kashmir in OIC resolutions</a>

At previous SCO meets, India has stayed away from supporting OBOR. India had become a member of the Beijing headquartered grouping in 2017.&nbsp;

A key portion of One Belt One Road is the CPEC or China Pakistan economic corridor, which passes through PoK or Pakistani occupied Kashmir. New Delhi has several times protested against it with Beijing on OBOR being violative of territorial integrity and asked them to cease such activities.

New Delhi, at various forums, has also highlighted that connectivity projects should "follow principles of openness, transparency and financial responsibility".&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-can-china-afford-to-be-so-aggressive-346554">WATCH|</a>

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OBOR has led to debt issues in many countries and has been associated with China's debt diplomacy, given its financial impact on many countries who have joined it. &nbsp;A European Commission report of March 2019 titled ‘EU-China- A Strategic Outlook’ has pointed out how Chinese investments in third countries have neglected socioeconomic and financial sustainability and may result in high-level indebtedness. In some cases, it may also lead to the transfer of control over strategic assets and resources.

Reiterating its stance yet again, India refused to extend support to China's mega connectivity project OBOR or One Belt One Road initiative at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization or SCO.

Reiterating its stance yet again, India refused to extend support to China's mega connectivity project OBOR or One Belt One Road initiative at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization or SCO. India was the only country in the 8 member grouping, which refused to support the project that has often been in news for its lack of transparency and whooping cost for the host country. The joint communique after India hosted SCO Heads of Government meet said, "The Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan, reaffirming their support for China’s "One Belt, One Road” (OBOR) Initiative (BRI)." Also read | ‘Factually incorrect and unwarranted’: India hits out at Islamic Nations for Pak-sponsored references to Kashmir in OIC resolutions At previous SCO meets, India has stayed away from supporting OBOR. India had become a member of the Beijing headquartered grouping in 2017. A key portion of One Belt One Road is the CPEC or China Pakistan economic corridor, which passes through PoK or Pakistani occupied Kashmir. New Delhi has several times protested against it with Beijing on OBOR being violative of territorial integrity and asked them to cease such activities. New Delhi, at various forums, has also highlighted that connectivity projects should "follow principles of openness, transparency and financial responsibility". WATCH| × OBOR has led to debt issues in many countries and has been associated with China's debt diplomacy, given its financial impact on many countries who have joined it. A European Commission report of March 2019 titled ‘EU-China- A Strategic Outlook’ has pointed out how Chinese investments in third countries have neglected socioeconomic and financial sustainability and may result in high-level indebtedness. In some cases, it may also lead to the transfer of control over strategic assets and resources.

Reiterating stance, India refuses to support China's mega connectivity project at SCO

India's national capital Delhi's Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has ordered the private labs to slash cost of RT-PCR tests. Now the cost would be $11.

WION Fineprint: COVID-19 RT-PCR tests in Delhi to cost $11

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's remarks on the ongoing protests of farmers in the national capital, India's ministry of external affairs said that comments of many Canadian leaders on this issue were ill-informed.

WION Dispatch: India says, "Comments by Canadian leaders on farmers protest are unwarranted"

India on Sunday rejected the criticism of its Jammu & Kashmir policy by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The Ministry of External Affairs hinted at Pakistan and said that OIC is being used by that country for its campaign against India.

India rejects 'unwarranted' claims to Jammu & Kashmir in OIC resolutions

India is all set to host the 19th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government in a virtual format on Monday, which will be chaired by Vice President Venkaiah Naidu.

India to host SCO heads of govt meet on Nov 30, Pak PM Imran to skip

China has claimed that just because the first COVID-19 case was detected from the Wuhan doesn't mean that it originated from the Chinese city itself. China's state media has also started reporting that traces of the virus were found on the number of imported food products from different countries including India.

China claims, COVID-19 virus originated outside the country

India on ,Monday hits out at Organisation of Islamic Cooperation over it's statement on Jammu and kashmir. 'OIC has no locus standi', says India.

India hits out at Organisation of Islamic Cooperation over J&K's statement

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with various vaccine developers like the Gennova Biopharma and Biological E Ltd and Dr. Reddy's laboratories Ltd. This comes after the PM visited three Biotechnology firms.

News Alert: Indian PM Modi holds virtual meet with 3 biotechnology firms

According to a Chinese state media report, China is building a super dam on the river Brahmaputra near its border with India which is expected to be country's largest hydropower dam.

China building super dam on Brahmaputra river near LAC in Tibet

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked a pretty comprehensive tri city tour of the COVID facilities in the country that are involved in the manufacturing & development of the COVID-19 vaccine.

PM Modi visits India's top 3 vaccine hubs

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Zydus Biotech Park in Ahmedabad and got first hand information on ZycoV-D, a Covid19 vaccine candidate.

Indian PM Modi meets scientists at Zydus Cadila Plant in Ahmedabad

(with inputs from Sidhant Sibal)

India has assured Vietnam of help in modernisation of its armed forces as both sides work on a new joint vision statement.

The commitment&nbsp;came as Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held bilateral talks with his Vietnamese counterpart General Ngo Xuan Lich over video-conferencing on Friday.

To this end, reports say, Singh told his counterpart that defence cooperation has been one of the most significant pillars of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership initiated by the two countries in 2016.

Vietnam is keen on acquiring a host of military equipment, including India’s Akash air defence system and the Dhruv helicopters, besides the BrahMos.

Vietnam notably has maritime border issues with China in the South China Sea, over Hanoi’s interest in acquiring the Indo-Russian supersonic cruise missile BrahMos.

Also, as part of increased defence cooperation, India and Vietnam have agreed on joint training of pilots by the respective air forces and training of forces to be deployed in UN Peacekeeping missions.

A readout of the meet from Indian defence ministry said both ministers "discussed various ongoing projects and the future trajectory of bilateral Defense engagements...(and) expressed satisfaction that despite the COVID-19 situation Defense exchanges between both Armed Forces have maintained positive momentum."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-vietnam-to-jointly-train-pilots-collaborate-in-shipbuilding-345950">Also read |&nbsp;India, Vietnam to jointly train pilots, collaborate in shipbuilding</a>

Both countries are also looking at collaborating in a number of domains of defense cooperation like shipbuilding, surface and subsurface capacities like submarines at sea. New Delhi has already extended defence Lines of Credit worth USD 600 million to strengthen Vietnam’s domestic defence manufacturing.

Both sides also signed the agreement on Hydrographic cooperation that will enable the sharing of Hydrographic data and assist in the production of navigational charts by both sides.

The Vietnamese defence minister invited the Indian defence minister for ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and also the meeting being hosted by Vietnam on December 10 through virtual mode.

(with inputs from Sidhant Sibal) India has assured Vietnam of help in modernisation of its armed forces as both sides work on a new joint vision statement. The commitment came as Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held bilateral talks with his Vietnamese counterpart General Ngo Xuan Lich over video-conferencing on Friday.

(with inputs from Sidhant Sibal) India has assured Vietnam of help in modernisation of its armed forces as both sides work on a new joint vision statement. The commitment came as Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held bilateral talks with his Vietnamese counterpart General Ngo Xuan Lich over video-conferencing on Friday. To this end, reports say, Singh told his counterpart that defence cooperation has been one of the most significant pillars of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership initiated by the two countries in 2016. Vietnam is keen on acquiring a host of military equipment, including India’s Akash air defence system and the Dhruv helicopters, besides the BrahMos. Vietnam notably has maritime border issues with China in the South China Sea, over Hanoi’s interest in acquiring the Indo-Russian supersonic cruise missile BrahMos. Also, as part of increased defence cooperation, India and Vietnam have agreed on joint training of pilots by the respective air forces and training of forces to be deployed in UN Peacekeeping missions. A readout of the meet from Indian defence ministry said both ministers "discussed various ongoing projects and the future trajectory of bilateral Defense engagements...(and) expressed satisfaction that despite the COVID-19 situation Defense exchanges between both Armed Forces have maintained positive momentum." Also read | India, Vietnam to jointly train pilots, collaborate in shipbuilding Both countries are also looking at collaborating in a number of domains of defense cooperation like shipbuilding, surface and subsurface capacities like submarines at sea. New Delhi has already extended defence Lines of Credit worth USD 600 million to strengthen Vietnam’s domestic defence manufacturing. Both sides also signed the agreement on Hydrographic cooperation that will enable the sharing of Hydrographic data and assist in the production of navigational charts by both sides. The Vietnamese defence minister invited the Indian defence minister for ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and also the meeting being hosted by Vietnam on December 10 through virtual mode.

India assures Vietnam of help in modernising its armed forces

PM Modi reached at Bharat Biotech in Hyderabad to review the ongoing preparations for the corona vaccine named as 'Covaxin'.

PM Modi reviews COVID vaccine progress in Hyderabad, Pune and Ahmedabad

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a visit to review the vaccine development in the country. PM Modi will be visiting 3 top vaccine production hubs in three different cities all in a span of a day.

News Alert: Indian PM Modi to visit top 3 drug makers to review vaccine development

India is all set to host the virtual summit of the SCO Heads of the Government on November 30, in which Chinese Premier Li Keqiang is expected to participate. 
&nbsp; 
Surprisingly, within three years of joining, India is seeking integration with the organisation considered as arch-rival of the United States. India ardently participated in a series of SCO's annual activities except in this year's military exercise "Kavkaz 2020" citing the pandemic related constraints. 
&nbsp; 
Twenty years in, the SCO isn't an effective regional powerhouse as yet. But, given the current conflation of global economic uncertainty, and against the Chinese assertion, the SCO is a useful platform for India to espouse its strategic autonomy in the global affairs.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The charters of the SCO are less confrontational and the decisions are consensus-based. Considering India's profile and benign image, the forum is well suited to play a balancing role vis-à-vis its ties with the U.S while simultaneously keeping China's regional ambitions in check.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
It's obviously in no one's interest to let Eurasia once again becoming a chessboard of great game rivalries or a hub of terrorism and extremism. India’s persistent strong voice to combat terrorist networks is already having a region-wide positive effect. An urge in Central Asia to deepen and expand its regional autonomy vis-à-vis Russia and China cannot be simply ignored by India.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
First, New Delhi should use the summit to restore the SCO’s original commitment to function in compliance with its basic Principles and Charters, which has been eroded by some member states while repeatedly dragging bilateral issues in the agenda. 
&nbsp; 
Second, in view of the dramatic weakening of global governance amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, India should use the SCO platform as a test-bed for promoting its development model. Interestingly, at the 19th SCO summit, PM Modi presented a new template for cooperation i.e. in healthcare, economic cooperation, alternative energy, literature, and culture, terrorism-free society, and humanitarian cooperation.

They form a part of his vision of building a "Self-reliant India" in the post-pandemic world. And, if the national capacity-building efforts are clubbed with economic multilateralism, they will prove to be a force multiplier for the global economic recovery. This needs no binary great-power politics. India's Covid-19 relief diplomacy is a success. Its pharma-industry has helped more than 150 countries with essential medicines to save humanity. 
&nbsp; 
In the next stage, India’s massive role in the manufacturing and delivery of vaccines would greatly shape the post-pandemic world order. As for the SCO, a credit line of $1 billion has just been announced by India for stabilizing the sanitary and epidemiological situation in Central Asia.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
In Moscow, there appeared a near congruence of interests between India, China, and Russia to address the pandemic crisis.&nbsp; 
Incidentally, both PM Modi and President Xi shared an identical view on the unique value of traditional medicine in the battle against COVID-19 – hence the need for learning from each other.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
When President Xi called for establishing an SCO community of cultural exchanges, PM Modi gave outright support to celebrate the 20th anniversary of SCO next year as "SCO Culture Year" where New Delhi would show-case its shared global Buddhist heritage. That’s fresh! 
&nbsp; 
Third, some member states are trying to keep India out of the Eurasian regional synergy. This may perhaps not work. PM Modithis time brilliantly evoked from the past when he said "India shared centuries of enduring historical and cultural bonds with Eurasia”, for he also reminded that “our ancestors kept them alive with their untiring and persistent contacts.”So far, such a sentiment was often heard from the Chinese pronouncement.&nbsp;

Clearly, as in the past when Eurasia played a springboard role for globalizing Indian civilization, New Delhi should find this time a new destiny to recouple with the region. Of course, after having invested a lot in the International North-South Transport Corridor, Chabahar Port, and Ashgabat Agreements, India cannot leave out its regional connectivity aspirations. Geopolitical hurdles are created but the states need to adhere to the SCO’s core principles of respecting one another's sovereignty and territorial integrity.&nbsp;

Interestingly, during the COVID-19 repatriation flights, the Indian civil aviation industry discovered a huge potential market in Eurasia – hitherto unexplored. The industry seems developing a portfolio of traffic routes (air-corridor) and cargo-network into the Eurasian market similar to the one that transports Afghan products to New Delhi and Mumbai. 
&nbsp; 
Fourth and importantly, after a thirty years gap of lost opportunity, New Delhi appears serious about pursuing a substantive trade and economic agenda with the region under the SCO agenda. India has already advised SCO countries to give a clarion call to leverage their economic strength to boost trade and investment that would ensure speedy economic recovery from the pandemic crisis. 
&nbsp; 
Recently, India has shown willingness to share its unique startup ecosystem, based on ‘creativity, innovation, and disruption’ that would help foster mutual innovation, promoting trade, and providing market access among the SCO countries. 
&nbsp; 
Fifth, with the weakening of the effectiveness of global governance amidst the pandemic, India is likely to push for radical reforms in multilateral institutions including in the United Nations. There are other global challenges such as climate change and terrorism that is being overlooked. India should be using the SCO to tackle these impending issues.&nbsp;

Seventh, there cannot be any let-down on India focus on voicing against terrorism, illegal arms proliferation, drugs, and money laundering. Possibly, terrorists would be seeking fresh opportunities to exploit the pandemic for disruption, recruit more people, and propagate extremist ideology. 
&nbsp; 
Finally, the utility of the SCO platform to hold bilateral meetings on the side-lines is now being denied by the coronavirus. Premier Li Keqiang’s presence should be utilized to push for redefining India’s economic agenda with China, especially if the two can forge a common agenda in Eurasia. 
&nbsp; 
To be sure and rhetoric apart, member states will continue to follow the bilateral arrangements. Being an inherently fragile grouping, the interests of Russia and China differ. The positions of others also fluctuate in line with their interests. It is, therefore, best to build on bilateral leverages, for the Central Asian states instinctively carry lots of expectations from India. They are sensitive and also pragmatic. They would start comparing India with China in terms of performances. If nothing else, the limited immediate benefits of joining SCO will be more than compensated for by improved bilateral cooperation with them.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do&nbsp;not represent the views of&nbsp;WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse&nbsp;the views of the writer)

India is all set to host the virtual summit of the SCO Heads of the Government on November 30, in which Chinese Premier Li Keqiang is expected to participate. Surprisingly, within three years of joining, India is seeking integration with the organisation considered as arch-rival of the United States.

India is all set to host the virtual summit of the SCO Heads of the Government on November 30, in which Chinese Premier Li Keqiang is expected to participate. Surprisingly, within three years of joining, India is seeking integration with the organisation considered as arch-rival of the United States. India ardently participated in a series of SCO's annual activities except in this year's military exercise "Kavkaz 2020" citing the pandemic related constraints. Twenty years in, the SCO isn't an effective regional powerhouse as yet. But, given the current conflation of global economic uncertainty, and against the Chinese assertion, the SCO is a useful platform for India to espouse its strategic autonomy in the global affairs. The charters of the SCO are less confrontational and the decisions are consensus-based. Considering India's profile and benign image, the forum is well suited to play a balancing role vis-à-vis its ties with the U.S while simultaneously keeping China's regional ambitions in check. It's obviously in no one's interest to let Eurasia once again becoming a chessboard of great game rivalries or a hub of terrorism and extremism. India’s persistent strong voice to combat terrorist networks is already having a region-wide positive effect. An urge in Central Asia to deepen and expand its regional autonomy vis-à-vis Russia and China cannot be simply ignored by India. First, New Delhi should use the summit to restore the SCO’s original commitment to function in compliance with its basic Principles and Charters, which has been eroded by some member states while repeatedly dragging bilateral issues in the agenda. Second, in view of the dramatic weakening of global governance amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, India should use the SCO platform as a test-bed for promoting its development model. Interestingly, at the 19th SCO summit, PM Modi presented a new template for cooperation i.e. in healthcare, economic cooperation, alternative energy, literature, and culture, terrorism-free society, and humanitarian cooperation. They form a part of his vision of building a "Self-reliant India" in the post-pandemic world. And, if the national capacity-building efforts are clubbed with economic multilateralism, they will prove to be a force multiplier for the global economic recovery. This needs no binary great-power politics. India's Covid-19 relief diplomacy is a success. Its pharma-industry has helped more than 150 countries with essential medicines to save humanity. In the next stage, India’s massive role in the manufacturing and delivery of vaccines would greatly shape the post-pandemic world order. As for the SCO, a credit line of $1 billion has just been announced by India for stabilizing the sanitary and epidemiological situation in Central Asia. In Moscow, there appeared a near congruence of interests between India, China, and Russia to address the pandemic crisis. Incidentally, both PM Modi and President Xi shared an identical view on the unique value of traditional medicine in the battle against COVID-19 – hence the need for learning from each other. When President Xi called for establishing an SCO community of cultural exchanges, PM Modi gave outright support to celebrate the 20th anniversary of SCO next year as "SCO Culture Year" where New Delhi would show-case its shared global Buddhist heritage. That’s fresh! Third, some member states are trying to keep India out of the Eurasian regional synergy. This may perhaps not work. PM Modithis time brilliantly evoked from the past when he said "India shared centuries of enduring historical and cultural bonds with Eurasia”, for he also reminded that “our ancestors kept them alive with their untiring and persistent contacts.”So far, such a sentiment was often heard from the Chinese pronouncement. Clearly, as in the past when Eurasia played a springboard role for globalizing Indian civilization, New Delhi should find this time a new destiny to recouple with the region. Of course, after having invested a lot in the International North-South Transport Corridor, Chabahar Port, and Ashgabat Agreements, India cannot leave out its regional connectivity aspirations. Geopolitical hurdles are created but the states need to adhere to the SCO’s core principles of respecting one another's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Interestingly, during the COVID-19 repatriation flights, the Indian civil aviation industry discovered a huge potential market in Eurasia – hitherto unexplored. The industry seems developing a portfolio of traffic routes (air-corridor) and cargo-network into the Eurasian market similar to the one that transports Afghan products to New Delhi and Mumbai. Fourth and importantly, after a thirty years gap of lost opportunity, New Delhi appears serious about pursuing a substantive trade and economic agenda with the region under the SCO agenda. India has already advised SCO countries to give a clarion call to leverage their economic strength to boost trade and investment that would ensure speedy economic recovery from the pandemic crisis. Recently, India has shown willingness to share its unique startup ecosystem, based on ‘creativity, innovation, and disruption’ that would help foster mutual innovation, promoting trade, and providing market access among the SCO countries. Fifth, with the weakening of the effectiveness of global governance amidst the pandemic, India is likely to push for radical reforms in multilateral institutions including in the United Nations. There are other global challenges such as climate change and terrorism that is being overlooked. India should be using the SCO to tackle these impending issues. Seventh, there cannot be any let-down on India focus on voicing against terrorism, illegal arms proliferation, drugs, and money laundering. Possibly, terrorists would be seeking fresh opportunities to exploit the pandemic for disruption, recruit more people, and propagate extremist ideology. Finally, the utility of the SCO platform to hold bilateral meetings on the side-lines is now being denied by the coronavirus. Premier Li Keqiang’s presence should be utilized to push for redefining India’s economic agenda with China, especially if the two can forge a common agenda in Eurasia. To be sure and rhetoric apart, member states will continue to follow the bilateral arrangements. Being an inherently fragile grouping, the interests of Russia and China differ. The positions of others also fluctuate in line with their interests. It is, therefore, best to build on bilateral leverages, for the Central Asian states instinctively carry lots of expectations from India. They are sensitive and also pragmatic. They would start comparing India with China in terms of performances. If nothing else, the limited immediate benefits of joining SCO will be more than compensated for by improved bilateral cooperation with them. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

India needs to provide fresh impetus to SCO

India’s tally of COVID-19 infections has crossed 9.3 million to stand as the world’s second highest after the United States, with 135,715 deaths.

India -- the world’s fastest-growing major economy until a few years ago -- now looks to be headed for its first full-year contraction this fiscal year since 1979, according to a Reuters poll which predicted gross domestic product would take over a year to return to pre-COVID-19 levels.

But despite these numbers, India seems to be doing much better at handling the economy woes than other nations. And there are a few parameters to substantiate and corroborate the claim.

DEATH RATE

The true measure of a country’s performance is number of cases per million and number of deaths per million.

As of November 28, India has 6,731 cases per million population. In comparison, USA has 40,000 cases per million, UK has 23,361, France has 33,424, Brazil has 29,129 while Italy has 25,456. Most of these countries have about 4-5 times the number of cases than India, on a per million basis.

When it comes to number of deaths per million population. India saw 98 deaths per million population.

In contrast, USA saw 813, Brazil saw 805, France saw 780, Spain saw 955, UK saw 846 and Italy 888. Almost all these countries have about 8-9 times more deaths than India on a per million basis.

Currently, India’s curve is showing a downward trend. From the peak of almost 97,894 daily cases in mid-September, on November 26, there were 43,174 cases.

QUICK DECISION MAKING

The Oxford University COVID-19 Government Response Stringency Index shows how proactively and decisively a country’s government has acted against the spread of the pandemic.

On March 21, when the USA first achieved its highest score (72.69), it had 16.24 daily confirmed COVID cases per million. On March 26, UK (75.93) already had 21.39 daily confirmed COVID cases per million population, 2.74 daily deaths per million population and 10.22 total COVID deaths per million population.

Similarly, on April 12, Italy (93.52) already had 77.64 daily confirmed COVID cases per million population, 10 daily deaths per million population and 322 total COVID deaths per million population.

In contrast, when India first achieved its highest score (100%) on the Stringency Index on March 25, it had only 0.04 daily confirmed COVID cases per million population, 0 daily deaths per million population and less than 0.01 total COVID deaths per million population.

This implies Prime Minister Narendra Modi took quick and proactive decisions, and went all out to attack the pandemic even before it could spread major havoc in the country.

- India was among the quickest to react at the government and institutional level

- China notified the world on January 7 about the virus. The very next day, India had a mission meeting

- India started screening passengers from January 17, among the first countries in the world to do so

- First case of the virus in India was detected on January 30, and aggressive containment and screening measures were instituted

- On the other end of the spectrum, India was among the first to introduce Rapid Antigen Tests along with RT-PCR tests. India was criticised initially for this strategy but later the WHO itself has adopted this model

- It was in March first week itself that PM Modi announced that he would not join any Holi Milan event since the scientific advice was to stay away from social gatherings. It was among the earliest examples among world leaders to send a message to the country

- When PM Modi sent this message of staying away from mass gatherings to millions of countrymen, India did not even have 50 cases

- Large parts of India made masks mandatory way back in April itself, with Modi himself wearing masks in public since early April, while the WHO waited till June before recommending it the world over

EARLY LOCKDOWN

- When PM Modi called for a complete lockdown on March 24, India had just about 500 cases

- The growth rate of new cases had increased from 10.9% to 19.6% in just one week and the doubling time was just over three days. That is when Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the decision to impose a national lockdown, which till then no other country had taken so early. This one decision changed India’s trajectory

- The government utilised the period of lockdown to create 15,362 dedicated COVID1-19 health facilities, about 15.40 lakh isolation beds, 2.70 lakh oxygen supported beds and 78,000 ICU beds

- It also delivered 32,400 ventilators to government hospitals across the country. Compare this with fact that in the last 70 years, these government hospitals possessed only 12,000 ventilators. It also provided 3.70 crore N95 Masks and 1.60 crore PPEs to State Governments

PM MODI WAS THE DIFFERENCE

- PM Modi led the way in refraining from social gatherings in early March during the festival of Holi. He addressed the nation and came out with a unique Jan Bhagidari initiative called ‘Janata Curfew’. He exhorted the people themselves to observe a countrywide lockdown of one day and show the world how India could unite to fight the pandemic

- PM Modi announced a nationwide lockdown from March 24. In the same address, he gave the message of ‘Jaan Hai Toh Jahaan Hai’ to convey the seriousness of the situation

- He also asked people to wear masks and clean hands regularly, much needed. Yet again, people responded

- During the lockdown, PM Modi called for people to light lamps and show solidarity with each other. He also asked them to show support to healthcare professionals in a unique way. This sent a wave of positivity across the nation

- Before the ‘Unlock’ phase, PM Modi addressed the nation again and guided them with the philosophy of ‘Jaan Bhi Jahaan Bhi’

- Throughout these phases, his personal leadership assured every Indian that they were in safe hands that was following sound scientific advice and putting the objective of saving lives above everything else

- This is the reason for today’s situation where India’s infections per million and deaths per million are both much lower than many developed countries

GOVT PROGRAMMES

- Through the Rs 1.70 lakh crore Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP), the Government announced free food grains and cash payment to women and poor senior citizens and farmers

- The numbers achieved by this programme are mindboggling and could have made some world records in itself

- Around 42 crore poor people received financial assistance of Rs 68,820 crore

- Rs 17,891 crore was transferred under PM-KISAN scheme to almost 9 crore farmers

- Nearly Rs 31,000 crore was transferred to 20 crore women Jan Dhan account holders in three instalments

- Rs 2,814.50 crore was transferred to about 2.81 crore old age persons, widows and disabled persons in 2 installments

- 1.82 crore building and construction workers received financial support worth Rs 4,987.18 crore

- About 13 crore free Ujjwala gas cylinders were delivered to poor households

- Under Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, nearly 80 crore people received free foodgrains and pulses till November, month on month

PHARMACY OF THE WORLD

- On Saturday, PM Modi reviewed the vaccine development and manufacturing process of three vaccine makers in India. He visited the Zydus Biotech Park in Ahmedabad, Bharat Biotech in Hyderabad and Serum Institute of India in Pune

- Two of these sites are where India is indigenously developing vaccines to fight COVID and one of these sites is where crores of vaccines to save the world will be manufactured

- India is not only leading the world in research for vaccines but will also be crucial for the world’s vaccine production

- Ambassadors of 100 countries are scheduled to visit Pune on December 4, they will visit Serum Institute of India and Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Limited

IMPACT

- Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose from 56.8 in September to 58.9 in October, 2020, registering the highest figure in over a decade

- PMI Services index also rose to 54.1 in October, ending the seven-month sequence of contraction, signalling improved market conditions

- Power consumption clocked double digit YoY growth of 12.1 per cent in October and 4.5 per cent in the first 24 days of November, reflecting a post-recovery rebound and even in growth economic activity across all spheres – agriculture, industry and services

- Passenger vehicle sales reported 2 per cent growth in October 2020, while total domestic sales of two-wheelers increased 16.8 per cent, auguring well for consumption demand

- Domestic tractor sales posted a 7 per cent YoY growth in October, auguring well for rural demand and signaling an early indicator of the transformation arising from agricultural reforms introduced under Aatmanirbhar Bharat package

- E-way bills generated witnessed a double-digit YoY growth of 21.4 per cent in October, reaching an all-time high of 641 lakh, and 7 per cent in the first 23 days of November

- GST collections swelled to eight-month high at ₹1.05 lakh crore in October – crossing ₹1 lakh crore after February, 2020 – registering a positive year on year growth of 10.2 per cent

- Railway freight grew YoY at 15.4 per cent in October and 13.6 per cent in the first 10 days of November. Also, gross revenue from railway passenger bookings stood at ₹533.27 crore in the first ten days of November, reaching 8 per cent of October levels

- Cargo traffic volumes in October have reached 7 per cent of previous year levels, registering a 1.23 per cent YoY growth

- Domestic aviation passengers increased from 2.8 lakh in May to 28.32 lakh in August and 39.43 lakh in September and 52.71 lakh in October

- Under MGNREGA, 252.4 crore person days of work have been created during April to October of FY 2021 as against 159.7 crore person days in the corresponding period of previous year

- GDP for Q2 of FY20 contracted by (-) 7.5 per cent, much smaller when compared to the contraction of (-) 23.9 percent reported for Q1 of FY20

- Between these two quarters, already a huge improvement can be seen in private consumption expenditure. Agriculture reported a growth of 3.4% in Q2, the same as in Q1

- Manufacturing has grown by 0.6% in Q2 as compared to a contraction of (-) 39.3% in Q1

India’s tally of COVID-19 infections has crossed 9.3 million to stand as the world’s second highest after the United States, with 135,715 deaths. India -- the world’s fastest-growing major economy until a few years ago -- now looks to be headed for its first full-year contraction this fiscal year since 1979, according to a Reuters poll which predicted gross domestic product would take over a year to return to pre-COVID-19 levels.

India’s tally of COVID-19 infections has crossed 9.3 million to stand as the world’s second highest after the United States, with 135,715 deaths. India -- the world’s fastest-growing major economy until a few years ago -- now looks to be headed for its first full-year contraction this fiscal year since 1979, according to a Reuters poll which predicted gross domestic product would take over a year to return to pre-COVID-19 levels. But despite these numbers, India seems to be doing much better at handling the economy woes than other nations. And there are a few parameters to substantiate and corroborate the claim. DEATH RATE The true measure of a country’s performance is number of cases per million and number of deaths per million. As of November 28, India has 6,731 cases per million population. In comparison, USA has 40,000 cases per million, UK has 23,361, France has 33,424, Brazil has 29,129 while Italy has 25,456. Most of these countries have about 4-5 times the number of cases than India, on a per million basis. When it comes to number of deaths per million population. India saw 98 deaths per million population. In contrast, USA saw 813, Brazil saw 805, France saw 780, Spain saw 955, UK saw 846 and Italy 888. Almost all these countries have about 8-9 times more deaths than India on a per million basis. Currently, India’s curve is showing a downward trend. From the peak of almost 97,894 daily cases in mid-September, on November 26, there were 43,174 cases. QUICK DECISION MAKING The Oxford University COVID-19 Government Response Stringency Index shows how proactively and decisively a country’s government has acted against the spread of the pandemic. On March 21, when the USA first achieved its highest score (72.69), it had 16.24 daily confirmed COVID cases per million. On March 26, UK (75.93) already had 21.39 daily confirmed COVID cases per million population, 2.74 daily deaths per million population and 10.22 total COVID deaths per million population. Similarly, on April 12, Italy (93.52) already had 77.64 daily confirmed COVID cases per million population, 10 daily deaths per million population and 322 total COVID deaths per million population. In contrast, when India first achieved its highest score (100%) on the Stringency Index on March 25, it had only 0.04 daily confirmed COVID cases per million population, 0 daily deaths per million population and less than 0.01 total COVID deaths per million population. This implies Prime Minister Narendra Modi took quick and proactive decisions, and went all out to attack the pandemic even before it could spread major havoc in the country. - India was among the quickest to react at the government and institutional level - China notified the world on January 7 about the virus. The very next day, India had a mission meeting - India started screening passengers from January 17, among the first countries in the world to do so - First case of the virus in India was detected on January 30, and aggressive containment and screening measures were instituted - On the other end of the spectrum, India was among the first to introduce Rapid Antigen Tests along with RT-PCR tests. India was criticised initially for this strategy but later the WHO itself has adopted this model - It was in March first week itself that PM Modi announced that he would not join any Holi Milan event since the scientific advice was to stay away from social gatherings. It was among the earliest examples among world leaders to send a message to the country - When PM Modi sent this message of staying away from mass gatherings to millions of countrymen, India did not even have 50 cases - Large parts of India made masks mandatory way back in April itself, with Modi himself wearing masks in public since early April, while the WHO waited till June before recommending it the world over EARLY LOCKDOWN - When PM Modi called for a complete lockdown on March 24, India had just about 500 cases - The growth rate of new cases had increased from 10.9% to 19.6% in just one week and the doubling time was just over three days. That is when Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the decision to impose a national lockdown, which till then no other country had taken so early. This one decision changed India’s trajectory - The government utilised the period of lockdown to create 15,362 dedicated COVID1-19 health facilities, about 15.40 lakh isolation beds, 2.70 lakh oxygen supported beds and 78,000 ICU beds - It also delivered 32,400 ventilators to government hospitals across the country. Compare this with fact that in the last 70 years, these government hospitals possessed only 12,000 ventilators. It also provided 3.70 crore N95 Masks and 1.60 crore PPEs to State Governments PM MODI WAS THE DIFFERENCE - PM Modi led the way in refraining from social gatherings in early March during the festival of Holi. He addressed the nation and came out with a unique Jan Bhagidari initiative called ‘Janata Curfew’. He exhorted the people themselves to observe a countrywide lockdown of one day and show the world how India could unite to fight the pandemic - PM Modi announced a nationwide lockdown from March 24. In the same address, he gave the message of ‘Jaan Hai Toh Jahaan Hai’ to convey the seriousness of the situation - He also asked people to wear masks and clean hands regularly, much needed. Yet again, people responded - During the lockdown, PM Modi called for people to light lamps and show solidarity with each other. He also asked them to show support to healthcare professionals in a unique way. This sent a wave of positivity across the nation - Before the ‘Unlock’ phase, PM Modi addressed the nation again and guided them with the philosophy of ‘Jaan Bhi Jahaan Bhi’ - Throughout these phases, his personal leadership assured every Indian that they were in safe hands that was following sound scientific advice and putting the objective of saving lives above everything else - This is the reason for today’s situation where India’s infections per million and deaths per million are both much lower than many developed countries GOVT PROGRAMMES - Through the Rs 1.70 lakh crore Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP), the Government announced free food grains and cash payment to women and poor senior citizens and farmers - The numbers achieved by this programme are mindboggling and could have made some world records in itself - Around 42 crore poor people received financial assistance of Rs 68,820 crore - Rs 17,891 crore was transferred under PM-KISAN scheme to almost 9 crore farmers - Nearly Rs 31,000 crore was transferred to 20 crore women Jan Dhan account holders in three instalments - Rs 2,814.50 crore was transferred to about 2.81 crore old age persons, widows and disabled persons in 2 installments - 1.82 crore building and construction workers received financial support worth Rs 4,987.18 crore - About 13 crore free Ujjwala gas cylinders were delivered to poor households - Under Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, nearly 80 crore people received free foodgrains and pulses till November, month on month PHARMACY OF THE WORLD - On Saturday, PM Modi reviewed the vaccine development and manufacturing process of three vaccine makers in India. He visited the Zydus Biotech Park in Ahmedabad, Bharat Biotech in Hyderabad and Serum Institute of India in Pune - Two of these sites are where India is indigenously developing vaccines to fight COVID and one of these sites is where crores of vaccines to save the world will be manufactured - India is not only leading the world in research for vaccines but will also be crucial for the world’s vaccine production - Ambassadors of 100 countries are scheduled to visit Pune on December 4, they will visit Serum Institute of India and Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Limited IMPACT - Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose from 56.8 in September to 58.9 in October, 2020, registering the highest figure in over a decade - PMI Services index also rose to 54.1 in October, ending the seven-month sequence of contraction, signalling improved market conditions - Power consumption clocked double digit YoY growth of 12.1 per cent in October and 4.5 per cent in the first 24 days of November, reflecting a post-recovery rebound and even in growth economic activity across all spheres – agriculture, industry and services - Passenger vehicle sales reported 2 per cent growth in October 2020, while total domestic sales of two-wheelers increased 16.8 per cent, auguring well for consumption demand - Domestic tractor sales posted a 7 per cent YoY growth in October, auguring well for rural demand and signaling an early indicator of the transformation arising from agricultural reforms introduced under Aatmanirbhar Bharat package - E-way bills generated witnessed a double-digit YoY growth of 21.4 per cent in October, reaching an all-time high of 641 lakh, and 7 per cent in the first 23 days of November - GST collections swelled to eight-month high at ₹1.05 lakh crore in October – crossing ₹1 lakh crore after February, 2020 – registering a positive year on year growth of 10.2 per cent - Railway freight grew YoY at 15.4 per cent in October and 13.6 per cent in the first 10 days of November. Also, gross revenue from railway passenger bookings stood at ₹533.27 crore in the first ten days of November, reaching 8 per cent of October levels - Cargo traffic volumes in October have reached 7 per cent of previous year levels, registering a 1.23 per cent YoY growth - Domestic aviation passengers increased from 2.8 lakh in May to 28.32 lakh in August and 39.43 lakh in September and 52.71 lakh in October - Under MGNREGA, 252.4 crore person days of work have been created during April to October of FY 2021 as against 159.7 crore person days in the corresponding period of previous year - GDP for Q2 of FY20 contracted by (-) 7.5 per cent, much smaller when compared to the contraction of (-) 23.9 percent reported for Q1 of FY20 - Between these two quarters, already a huge improvement can be seen in private consumption expenditure. Agriculture reported a growth of 3.4% in Q2, the same as in Q1 - Manufacturing has grown by 0.6% in Q2 as compared to a contraction of (-) 39.3% in Q1

How India has been leading the way in fight against coronavirus

A trilateral meeting on maritime security cooperation between India, Sri Lanka & the Maldives has began. The meeting is taking place after six years.

India, Maldives, Sri Lanka hold trilateral maritime dialogue begins

India suffered a crushing defeat in the series opener against Australia. India's bowling and fielding effort cost them the match. According to many, Team India did not look like a top side in the match.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-kohlis-absence-will-be-a-huge-setback-for-india-sanjay-manjrekar-346028" hreflang="en">IND vs AUS- 'Kohli's absence will be a huge setback for India': Sanjay Manjrekar</a>

Skipper Virat Kohli blamed India's poor fielding during the match. The team dropped some significant catches that could have changed the course of the game. However, the poor bowling effort helped Australia pose a massive target of 375 against India. Former English skipper Michael Vaughan was not happy with Men in Blue's performance.&nbsp;

He took to Twitter: "Early call ... I think Australia will beat India this tour in all formats convincingly."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Early call ... I think Australia will beat India this tour in all formats convincingly ... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a>
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/1332205688660107266?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Vaughan didn’t like the "old school" mentality of playing five specialist bowlers which backfired badly. "This Indian ODI team is too (sic) old school for me .... Just 5 bowling options &amp; the batting isn’t deep enough."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
India’s over rate is appalling ... !!! Body language defensive ... fielding is my standard (shocking) ... Bowling ordinary !!! Aussies on the other hand have been outstanding ... Long tour for India me thinks ... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/FoxCricket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FoxCricket</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/cricbuzz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cricbuzz</a> !!!
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/1332222184387915777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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"India’s over rate is appalling ... !!! Body language defensive ... fielding is my standard (shocking) ... Bowling ordinary !!! Aussies on the other hand have been outstanding ... Long tour for India me thinks," he tweeted.

India suffered a crushing defeat in the series opener against Australia. India's bowling and fielding effort cost them the match. According to many, Team India did not look like a top side in the match.

India suffered a crushing defeat in the series opener against Australia. India's bowling and fielding effort cost them the match. According to many, Team India did not look like a top side in the match. Also read: IND vs AUS- 'Kohli's absence will be a huge setback for India': Sanjay Manjrekar Skipper Virat Kohli blamed India's poor fielding during the match. The team dropped some significant catches that could have changed the course of the game. However, the poor bowling effort helped Australia pose a massive target of 375 against India. Former English skipper Michael Vaughan was not happy with Men in Blue's performance. He took to Twitter: "Early call ... I think Australia will beat India this tour in all formats convincingly." Early call ... I think Australia will beat India this tour in all formats convincingly ... #AUSvIND — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 27, 2020 × Vaughan didn’t like the "old school" mentality of playing five specialist bowlers which backfired badly. "This Indian ODI team is too (sic) old school for me .... Just 5 bowling options & the batting isn’t deep enough." India’s over rate is appalling ... !!! Body language defensive ... fielding is my standard (shocking) ... Bowling ordinary !!! Aussies on the other hand have been outstanding ... Long tour for India me thinks ... #AUSvIND @FoxCricket @cricbuzz !!! — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 27, 2020 × "India’s over rate is appalling ... !!! Body language defensive ... fielding is my standard (shocking) ... Bowling ordinary !!! Aussies on the other hand have been outstanding ... Long tour for India me thinks," he tweeted.

Michael Vaughan feels India's 'old school' tactics might cost them in all formats

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