New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized India’s commitment to global health security and international cooperation, citing the nation’s proactive role in healthcare diplomacy. Speaking at the 12th International Patient Safety Conference hosted by the Apollo Healthcare Group, Jaishankar underscored India’s belief that health is central to development and that development, in turn, fosters stronger international partnerships.
Jaishankar highlighted the ‘Vaccine Maitri’ initiative, which played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as India’s medical aid to nations such as Ukraine, Afghanistan, and others facing crises in recent years. He also acknowledged the contributions of India’s private healthcare sector in expanding medical facilities and capacities across various regions, stating that “we value this industry as a partner.”
“In recent years, many of our global initiatives have revolved around health security. India has served as a first responder, a development partner, a key supply chain link, and a provider of health solutions. Over the past decade, our efforts have set an example on the global stage,” Jaishankar noted.
He highlighted that India has successfully delivered more than 600 significant development projects across 78 countries, many of them focused on healthcare.
“Recently, we sent 66.5 tonnes of medical supplies to support humanitarian efforts in Gaza. Prior to that, 1,400 kg of anti-cancer medicines were dispatched to enhance medical capabilities in Syrian hospitals. In Afghanistan, we have provided 300 tonnes of medicines in recent years and deployed medical specialists to a hospital we built in Kabul,” he stated.
Jaishankar also recalled India’s timely interventions during the 2022 economic crisis in Sri Lanka, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and Myanmar’s struggle following Typhoon Yagi.
“Indian diplomacy has actively engaged with partners—big and small, island nations and landlocked countries, near and distant—united in the common goal of improving lives and ensuring better healthcare access for their citizens,” he added.
Reflecting on India’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Jaishankar pointed out that initial global concerns saw India as a potential hotspot for the virus. However, contrary to those fears, the country not only managed its own needs but also extended vital medical assistance to the world.
“During the pandemic, India supplied medicines to 150 countries and vaccines to 99 nations, along with two international organizations. We also provided critical medical supplies such as masks, PPE kits, gloves, and ventilators,” he said.
He noted that India chose to extend help even while its own vaccination program was still in progress—a stark contrast to many developed nations that stockpiled vaccines far beyond their needs. Additionally, Indian medical teams were dispatched to various Indian Ocean Region nations to assist in managing health crises.
Jaishankar emphasized that such efforts were not limited to the pandemic alone but reflected India’s broader approach to global health cooperation. He also spoke about the ‘Heal in India’ initiative, which aims to promote medical value travel by making it easier for international patients to seek treatment in India.
“As we balance tradition and technology as the twin pillars of national progress, it is only natural that we explore the relevance of our own heritage and culture in promoting health and well-being,” he added.
