Wishes poured in for India from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the leaderships of Bhutan and Sri Lanka after it scripted history on Thursday with the cumulative Covid-19 vaccine doses administered in the country surpassing the crucial 100-crore (one billion) milestone.
Taking to Twitter, WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi, scientists, health workers and people of India on their “efforts to protect the vulnerable populations from Covid-19 and achieve vaccine equity targets”.
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa congratulated PM Modi, the medical community and frontliners of India “for achieving this mammoth task”.
“The way forward & adjusting to the new normal while staying safe is highly dependent on a successful vaccination drive. Congratulations on reaching this milestone,” he tweeted.
In its response, the MEA said the guidance and support of the Lankan Prime Minister have been instrumental in driving India-Lanka relations forward.
“We hope mass vaccination drives in the 2 countries will promote travel & interactions in both directions & enhance people 2 people ties that form the bedrock of India-Lanka relations,” it tweeted.
Bhutan’s Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering said the feat is a “huge accomplishment” not just for India, but also for the world.
“On behalf of the people of Bhutan, I congratulate India!” he tweeted.
The ministry of external affairs (MEA) thanked Tshering for his wishes and his appreciation for the Vaccine Maitri initiative.
Vaccine Maitri is a humanitarian initiative undertaken by the Indian Government to provide Covid-19 vaccines to countries around the world. The Government started providing vaccines from January 20. (TOI)
by Daily News Sri Lanka
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