NO

Interests served

From putting India on the global health politics map to asserting India’s interests in strengthening South Asia (our neighbours received the largest number of vaccines), the diplomacy has served several interests. Sending vaccines to Paraguay, one of the few nations that recognises Taiwan as a sovereign country, and other small island nations might help India gain points in the Indo-China rivalry and in obtaining support for seeking United Nations’ reforms. Despite the lapses at home, the Vaccine Maitri project may open the doors for fruitful interactions with Western nations. The present catastrophe couldn’t have been avoided. It is too early to say that India’s vaccine diplomacy was a big mistake.

Aadrit Banerjee,

Class XII, Apeejay School, Park Street, Calcutta

An obligation

All the vaccines have not gone for free. The government did not create the shortage in its own country on purpose — India was under an obligation and so had to send the vaccines to the other countries.

Tanishi Tulsian,

Class X, Mahadevi Birla World Academy, Calcutta

Symbiotic process

It would be better to vaccinate the neighbours as it would take some stress off travel to India, especially when people bring medical supplies. It would also test the efficacy of the India-made vaccine and we can modify it accordingly. It is good to help countries with poor healthcare. India can expect help from the others once they are vaccinated.

Anuron Mullik,

Fourth year, Narula Institute of Technology, Calcutta

Raw material hurdle

The ire surrounding the export of vaccines is unwarranted. Consider the fact that if the export is to be condemned, India’s vaccine production will come to a screeching halt as India has to import a considerable portion of the raw materials needed for the vaccines.

Soumya Bhattacharya,

Class XII, The Aryans School, Calcutta

YES

Put self first

In a developing country of about 1.39 billion citizens, the vaccine diplomacy is no more than a luxury. The majority of Indians are yet to be vaccinated and the government is exporting! The government should cut the coat of promises according to the cloth of vaccine availability and requirements of the countrymen. In this second wave (definitely fuelled by us), the government should first help Indians, then think of other countries.

Shuvayan De,

First year, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Centenary College, Rahara

Error found

Initially, the export of vaccines was started with good intentions. People of many countries received free vaccines, which helped them tackle the pandemic. It also strengthened our international ties. But the consequences we are facing are perturbing. The nation’s citizens should be given top priority, then other issues can be sorted out.

Nayanika Barua,

Class XII, DAV Model School, Durgapur

Pillars are vulnerable

The youth of India constitute one-fifth of the population and they are the future pillars of the country. Today, they are being deprived of vaccines. A country with a population of 1.39 billion should not indulge in vaccine diplomacy leaving its youth vulnerable.

Agnidhro Ganguly,

Third year, Techno India Main, Salt Lake, Calcutta