US official lauds India's resumption of vaccine exports

Washington: Emphasising the importance of India's role as a global vaccine producer, the United States Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman applauded India's announcement to resume Covid-19 vaccine exports, ANI reported.

Taking to Twitter on Friday, Sherman said that India is a crucial global leader in the fight against the pandemic. Sherman tweeted that the US welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's participation in the Global Covid-19 summit during United Nations General Assembly.

Sherman's words come as India resumed supplying Covid-19 vaccines along with initial supplies to its neighbourhood. ANI reports that India has recently sent Covid vaccines to Iran, Myanmar, Nepal and Bangladesh.

Bangladesh and Iran have received one million doses of vaccines made in India. Made-in-India vaccines are in huge demand, especially in India's neighbourhood, and many south Asian neighbours had urged India to restart exporting vaccines.

India was forced to freeze its "Vaccine Maitri", the country's vaccine export programme, in early May after the second wave of Covid-19 harshly hit the country. It was the last month, India announced its decision to resume exports.

The international community, including Quad, United States and countries of the European Union (EU), welcomed India's decision. The decision would be a significant boost to the world, particularly South Asia.