India's Vaccine Diplomacy

  

The world consists of 195 countries (according to the UN). A lot of them have unique abilities or expertise in one area. But when the coronavirus came, none of the countries had any idea about how to face it and counter it. It is what made the word ‘unprecedented’ so popular. The news of the vaccine, even the one’s that failed, made the world really happy. It was reflecting over social media and in the stock markets. Having found the way to make the vaccine which is near perfection, there is a race between the countries to get enough doses that can cover all their citizens.

Since the change in government in 2014, PM Modi along with the two finest Ministers of External Affairs have given international relations and diplomacy a priority. India is currently the world’s biggest vaccine producer. The Secretary-General of the United Nations Mr. Antonio Guterres said India will play a major role in the vaccination of the world due to its production capability. India has started a drive to vaccinate its frontline workers. In the hard times, India also took up the opportunity to help its neighbours through the supply of free vaccines. India has already shipped vaccines to Bangladesh, Nepal, Maldives, Bhutan and a few others. They are planned to be sent to most of the countries in South Asia, of course except Pakistan. This move has been appreciated, not only by the countries who received it but also by the other countries. Some arguments have been put up, such as it is only done as a counter to the Chinese move and for being a leader in South Asia. Some opposition has come from the citizens that the priority should be for our own citizens first. The discussion and debates can go on. But I believe this step was a good one, especially with Bangladesh who were quite upset with HM Amit Shah’s remarks on calling them termite. The only thing I will still want is the government should be able to fund the vaccine for all of its citizens who require it.