Since January, India has sent vaccines to Mauritius for the third time under its ‘Vaccine Maitri’ initiative

India on Friday handed over to Mauritius a commercial supply of 200,000 doses of ICMR-Bharat Biotech produced Covaxin vaccines under the 'Vaccine Maitri' initiative.

"Commercial supply of 200,000 doses of 'Made in India' vaccines was handed over to Mauritius in a restricted ceremony today fighting the pandemic together," the embassy of India in Mauritius tweeted.

https://twitter.com/HCI_PortLouis/status/1372744635240513536

On receiving the vaccine doses, Mauritius came forward to thank India for continuously supporting the country during the time of the pandemic.

“This is the third time that Mauritius is receiving vaccines with an aim to curb the pandemic, which is unfortunately continuing to take its toll all over the world. On all these occasions, it is India which has procured us with those vaccines. Today is indeed a matter of rejoice that at the time when all the rich, the middle income countries, and poor countries are computing for the procurement of the vaccines, at a time when India itself is facing so much difficulty due to this pandemic, we are very happy that we are provided with 200,000 doses of Covaxin today,” said the Foreign Minister of Mauritius Alan Ganoo said.

“We are really thankful to the Republic of India and to your Prime Minister. It is when the times are hard that any nation recognizes its true friends. Your country’s invaluable help in succeeding to procure us these 200,000 doses of vaccines act as testimony to the unique nature of the relationship between our two countries. Today is another milestone which has strengthened the bond of friendship between our two countries. This is why on behalf of our country and our Prime Minister, we request you to convey our tribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Thank you very much. Long live the relationship between our two countries,” Ganoo added.

In a tweet, Senior Advisor to Prime Minister of Mauritius and Chairman of the National Vaccination Committee for Covid-19 Zouberr Joomaye said: "Covaxin landed in Mauritius this morning and handed it over to the Minister of Health. Thanks to the prompt intervention of PM Pravind Jugnauth, PM Narendra Modi and Singla High Commissioner."

https://twitter.com/ZJoomaye/status/1372771874212487173

ICMR-Bharat Biotech’s COVAXIN has demonstrated 81 percent interim efficacy in preventing Covid-19.

Under the 'Vaccine Maitri' initiative, India has been providing coronavirus vaccines to its neighbouring countries. 72 countries have already received vaccines under the 'Vaccine Maitri' programme. Maldives, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Srilanka, and Myanmar are among many countries that were aided by India during the pandemic.