India to export COVID-19 vaccines to Myanmar, Nepal, Bangladesh

NEW DELHI: The government of India Tuesday said that it has received several requests from neighboring counties for the supply of Indian manufactured Covid-19 vaccines. Following the request, the government announced that it will supply COVID-19 vaccines under grant assistance to Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, and Seychelles, from Wednesday.

"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 humanity fight the Covid pandemic, supplies under grant assistance to Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar and Seychelles will begin from 20 January 2021. In respect of Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Mauritius, we are awaiting their confirmation of necessary regulatory clearances," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a release.

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In a bid to dispel fears that the vaccine might run short for the country's own citizens, the MEA stated, "It will be ensured that domestic manufacturers will have adequate stocks to meet domestic requirements while supplying abroad."

India has also provided training to several neighbouring countries to enhance and strengthen their clinical capabilities, under the Partnerships for Accelerating Clinical Trials (PACT) programme, the MEA futher informed.

Separately, several training courses have been organized for healthcare workers and administrators of partner countries under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, sharing India's experience in dealing with the pandemic.

"In an ongoing effort, India will continue to supply countries all over the world with vaccines. This will be calibrated against domestic requirements and international demand and obligations, including under GAVI’s Covax facility to developing countries," the statement further added.

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