India gifted 49 lakh doses of Covid-19 vaccines to Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives and other friendly nations as part of its ‘Vaccine Maitri’ drive.

As part of the vaccine diplomacy drive, New Delhi sent 1,50,000 doses of Covishield vaccines to Bhutan and Maldives each on Tuesday. On Wednesday, 1 million and 2 million doses were sent to Nepal and Bangladesh respectively. Consignments carrying the vaccine reached Myanmar, Mauritius and Seychelles on Friday.

This act has earned high praise from neighbours and other nations. But, why is it important?