Trading Lives | 17 May 2023

India is a thriving global market, and its trade relationships have expanded rapidly in recent years. One of the key sectors driving India’s economic growth is the pharmaceutical industry. Sneha is an Indian Trade Services (ITS) officer, assigned to a prestigious position in the Department of Commerce.

A leading pharmaceutical company in India approaches Sneha with a lucrative proposal requesting her assistance in securing an exclusive contract to export a life-saving drug to a developing country. The drug in question is critical for combating a deadly disease outbreak in that nation, and the demand for it is incredibly high. The company promises substantial financial incentives if she uses her influence and contacts to ensure their selection as the sole supplier for the contract.

Sneha, believing that the proposal aligns with India's export goals and will foster economic growth and job creation, accepts the proposal and helps the company get the contract as sole supplier.

However, whistleblowers had earlier raised allegations of quality control issues, potential risks to patient safety, and unethical manufacturing practices, such as environmental pollution in the company. Do you think the approach adopted by Sneha was justified? If not, why?