India has started to export COVID-19 vaccines from Wednesday. The first consignment of the COVID vaccine, Oxford/AstraZeneca has been sent to Bhutan. The supply will be made under grant assistance to Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar and Seychelles.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the country has received several requests for the supply of Indian-manufactured vaccines from neighbouring and key partner countries.
“In response to these requests, and in keeping with India’s stated commitment to use India’s vaccine production and delivery capacity to help all of the humanity fight the COVID pandemic, supplies under grant assistance to Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar and Seychelles will begin from January 20.”
It also added that “In respect of Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Mauritius, we are awaiting their confirmation of necessary regulatory clearances.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi while expressing his happiness wrote on Twitter that “India is deeply honoured to be a long-trusted partner in meeting the healthcare needs of the global community. Supplies of Covid vaccines to several countries will commence tomorrow, and more will follow in the days ahead.”