Zack, Jenn, and Alex discuss the political implications of the ongoing Covid-19 catastrophe in India, where cases are skyrocketing, overwhelming the country’s health care system. They look at how much Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government is to blame for the crisis and the degree to which it’s creating political problems for Modi both at home and abroad. In the second half, they talk about the recent local election in West Bengal, how it does and doesn’t relate to the Covid-19 outbreak, and the complex story it tells about the direction of Indian politics right now.

References:

Here’s Zack’s piece for Vox on the West Bengal elections.

Vox’s Jen Kirby and Umair Irfan wrote about what more the world could do to help India.

And this is Alex’s Vox story on what seemed like a looming India crisis last year.

The New Yorker had an excellent piece on India under Modi back in 2019.

The Diplomat reports on Modi’s political predicament.

The Associated Press notes how India’s outbreak is ruining Modi’s image.

Hosts:

Zack Beauchamp (@zackbeauchamp), senior correspondent, Vox

Jennifer Williams (@jenn_ruth), senior foreign editor, Vox

Alex Ward (@AlexWardVox), White House reporter, Vox

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