India has already sent 6 million COVID-19 doses to nine countries in Phase-I under its ‘Vaccine Maitri’ initiative

Demonstrating robust diplomatic outreach under its ‘Vaccine Maitri’ initiative, India has sent consignments of Made-in-India vaccines to South Africa, Algeria Egypt, Kuwait and Oman.

Maintaining that the Indian made vaccines reached Algeria, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday twitted: “A trusted partnership stands renewed.” Indian Embassy in Algeria stated that the gifting of vaccines is a testimony of strong India-Algeria partnership in North Africa.

On the same day, pledging solidarity with South Africa, India supplied vaccines to Johannesburg. EAM Jaishankar remarked, “In it together- Made in India vaccines land in Johannesburg, South Africa.”

Lakhs of doses of covid-19 vaccines were also sent to Egypt.

Earlier MEA Spokesperson, Anurag Srivastava said New Delhi plans to supply 1 crore doses of vaccine to Africa and 10 lakh to UN health workers under GAVI’s COVAX facility.

COVAX is the global initiative to ensure rapid and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines for all countries, regardless of income level.

New Delhi has assisted more than 150 countries through urgent health and medical supplies. It has pledged 15 million dollars for GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, and operationalized the COVID-19 Emergency Fund for its neighbors with an initial contribution of 10 million dollars.

A consignment of 200,000 doses of Indian made Covidshield vaccine reached Kuwait on the same day. Arguing that the @MEAIndia cares for humanity and calling for joining hands to fight the pandemic, EAM Jaishankar stated, India values our friendship & strong ties with Kuwait.

The Sultanate of Oman also received 100,000 doses of the Covishield vaccines from India on Sunday. Oman’s Health Minister Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Saidi commended India for leading the role in the global fight against Covid-19 and the support New Delhi extended to its friends.

India has airlifted more than 6 million COVID-19 doses to nine countries in Phase-I under its 'Vaccine Maitri' initiative. Besides, contractual supplies to various countries are also being undertaken in a phased manner and New Delhi will gradually supply to the COVAX facility of the World Health Organization.