Wishes pour in as India achieves major jab landmark

Wishes poured in for India from the World Health Organisation and the leadership of Bhutan and Sri Lanka after it scripted history yesterday with the cumulative Covid-19 vaccine doses administered in the country surpassing the 1 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”. Bhutan’s Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering said the feat is a “huge accomplishment” not just for India, but the world. “On behalf of the people of Bhutan, I congratulate India!” he tweeted.

Lanka lauds feat

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa congratulated 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.

Meanwhile, external affairs minister S Jaishankar, who is in Israel, applauded the hard work and dedication of doctors and health workers.