India’s Vaccine Diplomacy Shines as a Global Beacon, Says Tharoor

Congress MP Highlights Modi Government’s Covid-Era Leadership

In a striking acknowledgment of India’s foreign policy success, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has lauded the Modi government’s Vaccine Maitri initiative, calling it a “powerful example of international leadership rooted in responsibility and solidarity.” Writing in The Week, Tharoor emphasized how India’s efforts to supply made-in-India Covid vaccines to over 100 nations during the pandemic’s darkest days reinforced the country’s image as a benevolent global partner.

A Strategic Triumph Amid Crisis

Launched in January 2021, the Vaccine Maitri initiative saw India export vaccines to countries across West Asia, Africa, Latin America, and its immediate neighbourhood. Tharoor noted that this effort not only addressed urgent global health needs but also served as a counterbalance to China’s influence in South Asia and Africa, where both nations competed for goodwill through vaccine supplies. 

“India’s vaccine diplomacy during the Covid pandemic stands out from amid the horrors of that time,” Tharoor wrote, highlighting how the initiative reflected India’s humanitarian spirit while advancing strategic interests. He further praised India’s broader health diplomacy, including the deployment of military doctors to Nepal, the Maldives, and Kuwait, and online training for healthcare workers across South Asia.

Beyond Vaccines: Building Global Cooperation

Tharoor underscored India’s engagement with international platforms like GAVI, the Quad, and the Pan Africa E-Network, which addressed immediate health concerns while laying the groundwork for long-term cooperation. These efforts, he argued, showcased India’s ability to blend humanitarianism with strategic foresight, cementing its role as a reliable global leader.

Key Achievements of Vaccine Maitri:

• Global Reach: Supplied vaccines to over 100 countries, including West Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

• Health Diplomacy: Deployed Indian military doctors to Nepal, Maldives, and Kuwait.

• Capacity Building: Organized online training for South Asian healthcare workers.

• Strategic Balance: Countered China’s influence through goodwill in South Asia and Africa.

Contrasting Party Lines

Tharoor’s recent remarks praising India’s vaccination efforts have drawn attention, given that Congress leaders like Rahul Gandhi had previously criticized the government in March 2021 for exporting vaccines amid domestic shortages. At the time, Gandhi had urged the Prime Minister to prioritize vaccinating all Indians before exporting doses. 

A Lasting Legacy

Despite internal party tensions, Tharoor’s endorsement underscores the enduring impact of Vaccine Maitri. By leveraging India’s position as the world’s vaccine manufacturing hub and contributing to global initiatives like Covax, the Modi government demonstrated resilience and leadership during a global crisis. 

As India continues to navigate its role on the world stage, the Vaccine Maitri initiative remains a testament to its ability to act decisively and compassionately in times of global need.

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/indias-covid-vaccine-diplomacy-stands-out-amid-horrors-shashi-tharoors-fresh-praise-for-modi-government/articleshow/119788128.cms 

Prepared by: Next Move Strategy Consulting