NEW DELHI, Mar 22: In keeping with the close and friendly relations between the two nations, India on Monday presented the Royal Government of Bhutan the second consignment of 4,00,000 doses of the “Made in India” COVID-19 vaccine.
In a ceremony held at Paro airport, Bhutan, India’s Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj handed over the vaccine consignment to Bhutan’s Foreign Minister Tandi Dorji. She referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s virtual address to the United Nations General Assembly in September 2020, in which he stated that, in keeping with the ancient Indian ethos of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” India’s vaccine production and delivery capacity will be used to assist humanity in combating the COVID-19 crisis. “India will be a force for good in the neighbourhood,” she said, echoing Prime Minister Modi’s words. It is dedicated to enhancing the region’s well-being.”
Dr Lotay Tshering, Bhutan’s Prime Minister, stated in a tweet message: “Pleased to receive additional 400,000 doses of Covishield, making possible the nationwide rollout of our vaccination program. People of Bhutan and I remain grateful @narendramodi. We pray these gestures during the pandemic turn into boundless blessings for the people of India.”
Under “Vaccine Maitri,” India’s friendly diplomacy through Covid vaccine, India so far has provided more than 60 million vaccines to 72 countries around the world. Bhutan was the first country among neighbours to receive the “Made in India” COVID-19 vaccine on January 20, just four days after India rolled out the vaccine programme for its own citizens. The Prime Minister of Bhutan had said at the time, “It is the display of altruism at best, and an exhibit of India’s sincerity in the relationship we cherish. It is of unimaginable value when precious commodities are shared even before meeting your own needs, as opposed to giving out only after you have enough.”
Bhutan will begin its nationwide vaccination campaign on March 27 as India has provided a total of 5,50,000 ‘Made in India’ COVID-19 vaccines. The first dose of vaccine will be administered to Bhutan’s entire eligible population. India had previously handed over ten consignments of medical supplies, one portable X-Ray machine, essential medicines, and medical equipment.
(Venkatesh Iyer)