New Delhi, Jan. 28 (UNI) India has gifted over 55 lakh doses of Covid-19 vaccines to its neighbouring countries and in its extended neighbourhood.
While Bhutan was gifted 1.5 lakh doses, Maldives received one lakh doses, Nepal was given ten lakh doses and Bangladesh 20 lakh. Similarly, Myanmar got 15 lakh doses, Mauritius one lakh, Sri Lanka five lakhs, Bahrain one lakh and Syechelles was given 50,000 doses of vaccines.
Addressing the weekly virtual media briefing on Thursday, External Affairs Ministry's official spokesperson Anurag Srivastav said these supplies were based on requests from these countries.
``Over the next few days, we plan to gift further quantities to Oman (1 lakh), CARICOM countries (5 lakh), Nicaragua (2 lakh) and Pacific Island states (2 lakh) doses,' he added.
The spokesperson said that external supplies of vaccines, whether as gifts or on a commercial basis, are based on domestic availability, licensing issues and regulatory approvals in the countries concerned.
Commercial exports of Covid-19 vaccines have taken place to Brazil, Morocco and Bangladesh. Further supplies on a commercial basis are likely to take place to Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Canada, Mongolia.
``Further, we are going to supply one crore doses to Africa and 10 lakh to UN health workers under GAVI's COVAX facility,' he added.
He said that India will continue to supply vaccines to partner countries over the coming weeks and months in a phased manner. Decisions on these supplies will be calibrated against the requirements of the roll out of the COVID-19 vaccine at home, he added.
UNI VT 2008