US Deputy Secretary Lauds India's Effort To Resume Covid-19 Vaccine Export

Both Bangladesh and Iran each received one million doses of "Made-in-India" vaccines which are in huge demand especially in the neighbourhood.

US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman (File Photo/ Getty Images)

Washington: Applauding India's initiative to resume vaccine exports, US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman on Friday noted the importance of India's role as a global Covid vaccine producer and said India is a crucial global leader in the fight against Covid-19.

"As the world's largest vaccine producer, India is a crucial global leader in the fight against Covid-19. We welcomed Prime Minister @narendramodi's participation in the Global COVID-19 Summit during #UNGA and applaud India's announcement to resume vaccine exports," Sherman tweeted.

The statement comes amid India resuming the supply of Covid-19 vaccines along with initial supplies in this round to the neighbourhood. It is learnt that India has recently sent Covid vaccines to Iran, Myanmar, Nepal and Bangladesh.

Both Bangladesh and Iran each received one million doses of "Made-in-India" vaccines which are in huge demand especially in the neighbourhood. Also, the requirement of vaccine has also come up in several diplomatic engagements when the majority of south Asian neighbours had urged India to restart the export of vaccines, as per the news agency ANI.

India had to halt the "Vaccine Maitri" program in early May this year as the country was severely hit by a deadly second wave of the Covid-19. India has announced last month that will reopen the export of Covid vaccines.

India's decision to reopen exports of vaccines is welcomed by the International community. Quad, the United States and countries of the European Union (EU) appreciated India's move. India's step to open vaccine supplies is a major boost to the world in general and South Asia in particular.