India providing vaccines to neighbouring countries including Nepal

Kathmandu. India has agreed to provide vaccine against COVID-19 to Nepal. The Ministry of External Affairs of India has announced to provide vaccines to various neighboring countries including Nepal from today as a grant.

A statement from the ministry said the vaccine would be distributed to Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Seychelles from Wednesday. But it is not clear how much vaccine Nepal receives. Last week, the Department of Drug Administration approved the Oxford AstraZeneca covishield vaccine, which is being produced at the Serum Institute in India, for emergency use.

Press conference to give formal information:

Health Minister Hridayesh Tripathi and Indian Ambassador Vinay Mohan Quatra are holding a joint press conference to provide information about the vaccine being provided by India. Secretary at the Ministry of Health and Population Laxman Aryal informed that the Health Minister and the Indian Ambassador will hold a joint press conference this afternoon.

The Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi also tweeted on Tuesday that he would start supplying vaccines to allies from today. Officials in Nepal expect the vaccine to arrive today and at least this week.