New Delhi, April 25
India on Friday reaffirmed its commitment to the Neighbourhood First Policy by sending USD 2 million worth of medical aid to Nepal.
The assistance includes medicines and vaccines for patients with Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Disease. The first tranche of this aid consists of 17,030 vials of vaccines for the immunisation of Thalassemia patients.
Sharing a post on X, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote, "Reaffirming India's commitment to Neighbourhood First Policy. India sends assistance consisting of medicines and vaccines for patients with Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Disease worth $2 million, responding to a request from Nepal."
The post added, "The 1st tranche of 17,030 vials of Vaccines for Immunisation of patients with Thalassemia was handed over to Nepal."
https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1915649226077282349
The Neighbourhood First policy guides the management of India's relations with countries in its immediate neighbourhood, focuses on creating mutually beneficial, people-oriented, regional frameworks for stability and prosperity, including through the building of physical, digital and people-to-people connectivity.
India engages with these countries on a consultative, non-reciprocal and outcome-oriented basis, driven by the principles of Samman (respect), Samvad (dialogue), Shanti (peace), and Samriddhi (prosperity).
As part of India's Neighbourhood First policy, the Government has been extending necessary developmental assistance and capacity-building initiatives, as per the needs and aspirations of the neighbouring countries, thereby contributing towards the holistic economic development of their countries. Under this approach, India has been assisting neighbouring countries in the development of infrastructure projects ranging from large-scale infrastructure to community-related provisioning of assets and platforms, augmentation of capabilities and extending financial, budgetary and humanitarian assistance.
India's assistance under its Neighbourhood First policy is regarded as valuable by diverse sections of public opinion among our neighbours, ensuring a sustainable basis for these assistance programs to continue despite changes in administration in these countries. Government keeps a vigilant watch on all developments which have a bearing on India's national security and takes all necessary measures to safeguard it.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is such a thoughtful initiative! Thalassemia patients in Nepal will benefit greatly from these vaccines. Proud of India's Neighbourhood First approach ðŸ‘
While I appreciate the aid, I hope there's proper monitoring to ensure the medicines reach those who need them most. Sometimes aid gets stuck in bureaucracy.
My cousin has Thalassemia and I know how expensive the treatment can be. This medical aid will be life-changing for so many families in Nepal â¤ï¸
Great move! But I wonder if we could do more - maybe set up treatment centers or train local medical staff? That would create lasting impact beyond just sending medicines.
The principles of Samman, Samvad, Shanti and Samriddhi are beautiful. This is how neighbors should support each other. More power to India-Nepal relations!
$2 million is significant but I hope this is just the beginning. There are so many areas where India and Nepal can collaborate for mutual benefit.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.