Delhi’s decision to start sending vaccines to its neighbours in South Asia and other countries who have asked for it is the right step forward for India in its relations with its neighbours. It holds immense potential for a new kind of diplomacy in the region, one based on the common good and common interests of the South Asian people. As of now, India has shipped vaccines to Maldives, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Nepal, Myanmar and Seychelles, and will send them to other countries as well, including Sri Lanka and Afghanistan once approvals are available.
In doing so, Delhi is fulfilling its role as a responsible nation. With its advanced cutting-edge healthcare in the private sector, India attracts thousands of people from all countries of South Asia for medical treatment, at a fraction of what it costs in the West. Medicines manufactured in India have a good reputation across South Asia, even in Pakistan. It was natural then that governments in the region would look to vaccines manufactured in India, especially Covishield, developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca, as a viable option. In their recent visits to neighbouring capitals, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla were asked about and gave assurances on the possibilities of vaccine supply from India. It is commendable that Delhi has moved quickly to deliver on commitments made to some of these countries. While the initial supplies have been sent free of cost, it is possible that countries may choose to enter into commercial agreements with the manufacturers for more quantities. The governments of Myanmar and Bangladesh are already in such negotiations.
