India is making headlines by shipping out doses of the novel coronavirus vaccine to its neighbouring and key partner countries. The first batches have been delivered to Bhutan and Maldives using special planes, marking this shipment as an important grant or gift.
About India’s Coronavirus Vaccines
Two vaccines – COVISHIELD by Serum Institute of India and COVAXIN by Bharat Biotech, recently received approval from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI). COVISHIELD is technically referred to as AZD1222 or ChAdOx 1 nCoV-19 and is the name given to the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine. On the other hand, COVAXIN is considered as India’s indigenous Covid-19 vaccine. Both vaccines have been found safe with no major side effects expected.
Vaccine Diplomacy: India’s Approach
Vaccine diplomacy refers to the use of vaccine development or delivery as a tool to strengthen ties with other nations. This strategy also involves collaborative efforts for the joint development of life-saving vaccines and related technologies. Key actors typically include scientists who work together irrespective of diplomatic relations between participating countries.
Through vaccine diplomacy, India aims to promote its foreign policy and diplomatic relations globally. Prior to the vaccine shipment, India supplied hydroxychloroquine, Remdesivir, paracetamol tablets, diagnostic kits, ventilators, masks, gloves, and other medical supplies to several countries battling the pandemic. It has also conducted capacity building and training workshops for neighbouring countries.
India’s Vaccine Diplomacy Plan
India’s plan involves shipping vaccines to its neighbours such as the Maldives, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Nepal, with Myanmar and the Seychelles next in line. In the cases of Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Mauritius, India is awaiting their confirmation of necessary regulatory clearances.
Strategic Importance of India’s Vaccine Diplomacy
India’s vaccine diplomacy is projected to earn long-term goodwill from its immediate neighbours along with global recognition. This initiative gives India a strategic edge over China, which has also offered its vaccines to certain countries. Additionally, this effort positions India favourably against affluent Western nations who are primarily focused on their own vaccine needs.
Economic Benefits of Vaccine Diplomacy for India
Beyond its immediate neighbours, other countries such as South Korea, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and South Africa have expressed interest in purchasing vaccines from India. This demand presents an opportunity for India to boost its pharmaceutical manufacturing industry and potentially become the world’s pharmacy. If successful, it may lead to significant economic benefits, including an increase in the country’s GDP.
India’s Role in Disrupting Vaccine Nationalism
India’s vaccine distribution directly addresses the issue of vaccine nationalism – the practice of securing vaccine doses exclusively for local markets before making them available to other countries. India’s efforts to make vaccines accessible to needy countries disrupts this practice while facilitating global collaboration.
Looking Ahead
As India embarks on this large-scale vaccination endeavour, it faces the challenge of balancing its domestic needs with international commitments. It is essential that India ensures sufficient vaccine supply for its citizens who cannot afford it while continuing to provide aid to the rest of the world.
