Global Community Rallies to Support India Amid Calamitous Coronavirus Surge

Strategic Insights -

The international community has come together to aid India in its struggle against the devastating coronavirus surge, which has seen the country report over 354,000 new infections and 2,800 deaths in a single day. Narendra Modi's government has faced criticism for its handling of the crisis, particularly with regards to vaccine distribution and pricing. In response, the US and the EU have announced plans to provide aid, including oxygen-related supplies, vaccine materials, and other relief. French and German officials have also pledged assistance, with Ireland offering 700 oxygen concentrators and the UK sending nine airline container-loads of supplies. The EU's emergency Civil Protection Mechanism has been activated to facilitate the delivery of aid.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US has pledged to provide oxygen-related supplies, vaccine materials, and other relief to India to help combat the coronavirus surge.
  • The EU has activated its emergency Civil Protection Mechanism to facilitate the delivery of aid to India, with France and Germany leading the effort.
  • Ireland has pledged to provide 700 oxygen concentrators, while the UK is sending nine airline container-loads of supplies.
  • The Indian government has been criticized for its handling of the crisis, including its decision to pass on additional costs for vaccine procurement to states and private buyers.
  • The removal of social media posts critical of the government's handling of the crisis has sparked further criticism.
  • The US has a stockpile of AstraZeneca vaccines that have not yet been approved for release, with business leaders set to meet with Secretary of State Antony Blinken to discuss further assistance.
  • India's vaccine manufacturers have been given permission to significantly raise their prices, sparking concerns about the equitable distribution of vaccines.

Statistics:

  • India reported over 354,000 new infections and 2,800 deaths in a single day.
  • The US plans to share 60m AstraZeneca vaccine doses with other countries, though it is unclear how many will be sent to India.
  • India's monthly vaccine production is around 65m jabs.
  • The Indian government will continue to buy half of the country's monthly vaccine production to supply to over-45s.
  • States and private entities will have to procure shots for younger adults at higher prices set by manufacturers.
  • 70% of India's population is under the age of 18, who will have to rely on private health insurance or pay out-of-pocket for vaccine acquisition.

Sources:

  • The Times of India
  • Reuters
  • The Financial Times
  • The White House Statement
  • European Commission Press Release
  • LinkedIn (Punit Renjen, Deloitte CEO)