‘Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam’ guides vaccine supply to neighbouring countries: Rajnath Singh

As a global pharmacy and a first responder in times of crisis, India’s vaccine rollout is set to cross international borders, reflecting the country’s millennia-old ethos of ‘Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam (the world is one family).“Two vaccines are being manufactured in the country. We consider the entire world as one family. We will do vaccination not only in India but also provide these vaccines to our neighbouring countries where it is required,” said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh while addressing the annual National Cadet Corps (NCC).

Mr Singh stressed that, if it is needed, “we will provide vaccines to other countries of the world too.” India has been sending Covid-19 vaccines under grant assistance to Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar and Seychelles. India started its vaccination drive on January 16 with Covishield, manufactured by Serum Institute of India, and Covaxin, manufactured by Bharat Biotech.

The training of NCC should be provided in border and coastal areas. We have identified more than 1,100 schools in such areas where NCC training would be given soon,” Mr Singh said, referring to the month-long camp that will culminate on January 28.

“India can progress only if each citizen progresses and for each citizen to progress we need to be self-reliant. Self-reliant India does not mean boycotting foreign goods but believing in the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. It means ending India’s dependence on other countries and moving towards development and progress. Only a self-reliant nation can make its nation paramount,” said India’s Health Minister Harsh Vardhan.

The supply of vaccines to friendly countries in its periphery showcases India’s Neighbourhood First Policy. The move reflects Make in India’s concept of indigenous manufacturing, a progress towards self-reliance and increase in its soft power globally. With this, India has entered the V5 club, the five anti-corona vaccine-producing powers (the US, UK, Russia, China, India)

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