- As vaccine manufacturing capital of the world, India finds itself in an enviable position vis-à-vis positioning as the frontline country fully equipped to present capabilities in not only shoring up the vaccine production in line with the invention of new candidates to combat the COVID-19 pandemic but also develop further strength in meeting the global requirements. Even before the pandemic hit the world, Indian manufacturing of vaccines stood at 62% of the global demand reasserting the unique position enjoyed by the nation. Needless to mention, the country is positioned to extend vaccine diplomacy gaining an upper hand in the battle for soft power.
PC: preventionweb
- Beijing in contrast, where the pandemic virus that originated from the dragon nation, is leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to salvage a severely damaged image by projecting itself as a health redeemer by supplying Chinese vaccines to several developing countries. The measure comes with a rider though as the Chinese are not hiding the strategy to expand its global influence as part of its Health Silk Road Initiative on the lines of its pet Border Road Initiative. The world is witness to China’s grandiose expansionist moves and will be wary of this initiative as well.
- In comparison, India stands a good chance to press ahead aggressively with vaccine diplomacy by utilizing admirable manufacturing facilities at its disposal to adequately meet the global demand for vaccines. As is witnessed recently, we have already commenced a vaccination drive covering the healthcare workers in the first phase of inoculation which is set to gain momentum in the coming days covering the other phases as planned. Despite humongous domestic requirements to extend vaccine coverage, New Delhi’s decision to dispatch millions of doses of COVID vaccine to a few of the South Asian neighbors is par for the course smart diplomatic strategy.
PC: thewire
- As reported in the media, India has initiated vaccine grants with 2 million doses for Bangladesh, a million for Nepal, 150,000 for Bhutan, and 100,000 for the Maldives, respectively. Besides this, the Serum Institute of India, Pune produced Oxford-AstraZeneca has commenced early commercial supplies for Brazil and Morocco as well. In a welcome move elsewhere, the US has joined hands with the multilateral COVAX facility aiming to distribute vaccines equitably for the poorest nations and many developing nations, especially in Africa, dissuading them from entering deals with China to secure vaccines riding on parochial considerations.
- The situation makes for a strong case for the US and India to team up in providing safe and affordable vaccines to the world to counter China’s cynical vaccine diplomacy. Note that unlike the Indian vaccine, the Chinese vaccine lacks transparency. COVID vaccine must be driven by trust and India scores hands-on on this front. Advantages accruing out of soft power is equally important to gain traction in the eyes of the global community. An opportunity awaits New Delhi to explore, pursue, and press ahead with regards to the same.
