COVID-19 Policy Responses: Reflections on Governmental Financial Resilience in South Asia

Purpose: First, the paper examines the short-term fiscal and budgetary responses of the South Asian governments to the COVID-19 pandemic. Next, it brings out the implications of such responses, focusing on India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. Design/methodology/approach: The paper is based on multiple secondary data sources, including the viewpoints of experts and government officials. Data are analysed using the ideas of financial resilience. Findings: South Asian governments’ response to the pandemic shows a gap in understanding the magnitude of the problem and in developing financial resilience. This paper points out the importance of avoiding austerity, becoming more cautious in accepting lending conditions, rethinking public sector accountability and revitalising mutual collaboration through SAARC1 for developing financial resilience, both at individual country and regional levels. Originality/value: The study offers some insights on policy implications for South Asian governments in terms of building financial resilience to deal with future crises.