Congratulations pour in from across world for reaching 100 cr vaccination milestone

New Delhi: Congratulations poured in from across the world as India reached the milestone of 100 crore vaccinations, with Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering saying “Being able to administer the shots in one billion arms, despite all the challenges, is a feat not many can easily achieve”.

As India reached the 100-crore vaccination mark, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in a video message said the milestone is “obviously central to our economic recovery and to our public health, and the fact that we have been able to undertake such a massive exercise in such a short time is due to the vision and even more to the motivation provided by PM Narendra Modi.”

“From the External Affairs perspective what this means is that Indians will have a much easier and freer access to the global workplace. It would also mean that more people from abroad would come to India adding to our tourism flow, reviving our services and contributing to our economy. So this milestone is indeed a great achievement, and collectively as a nation we should be proud of what we have achieved.”

The Prime Minister of Bhutan Dr. Lotay Tshering, in a Facebook message, said: “In what is a huge accomplishment not just for your country but the world, India hit the one billion mark of COVID-19 vaccination doses. On behalf of the people of Bhutan, I congratulate India!” tagging PM Modi.

“Being able to administer the shots in one billion arms, despite all the challenges, is a feat not many can easily achieve. At this time of the pandemic, any individual getting vaccinated is a progression that contributes to global herd immunity. This will be significant for all of us in emerging from the pandemic sooner. And on a practical note, being a close neighbour, we feel more secure.”

“It reflects the trust people have in the system. I always believe that the collective, unconditional faith in leadership and the system is key to any nation’s success.

Here, I would also like to express my appreciation to PM Modi for contributing to global welfare through sharing of vaccines, medical supplies and other supports. Bhutan has benefitted a lot and remains grateful,” he said.

Sri Lanka Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, in a tweet congratulated PM Modi “and the

the medical community and frontline workers of India for achieving this mammoth task. The way forward and adjusting to the new normal while staying safe is highly dependent on a successful vaccination drive. Congratulations on reaching this milestone.”

The World Health Organisation chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in his congratulatory message, said: “Congratulations, Prime Minister @narendramodi, the scientists, health workers and people of India, on your efforts to protect the vulnerable populations from COVID19 and achieve Vaccine Equity targets.”

The Seychelles President Wavel Ramkalawan in a message to PM Modi said: “I commend you for your leadership and the manner in which your government is managing one of the largest Covid-19 vaccination campaigns in the world. I have no doubt that India will reach its target of inoculating its adult population by the end of 2021.”

He said Seychelles has reached 75 % inoculation of its adult population with both doses administered. “We owe the success of our own programme in large measure to the donation of 50,000 doses of Covishield vaccines from India in January 2021. We are deeply grateful to India for the solidarity extended to us and for your continued support in these challenging times.”

“My government and the people of Seychelles in return, assure you of our full support and solidarity, and wish you every success in the continuation of your inoculation programme.”

Alex Ellis, the UK High Commissioner in India, in his congratulatory tweet, said: “Congratulations India on the Vaccine Century.

“It is quite a feat administering over 100 crore doses of COVID vaccine inoculations.

“Delighted that more than 80% of vaccines are a product of United Kingdom-India Oxford-

Astra Zeneca/Serum Institute of India partnership: UK science, Indian manufacturing.”

The Canadian High Commission, in a tweet, said: “Congratulations @narendramodi

and the Indian people on the remarkable milestone of 1 billion doses administered of the COVID vaccine. None of us is safe until all of us are safe, and Canada and India will continue to work together in the global fight against COVID19.”

The US embassy in a tweet said: “Congratulations to India on administering its 1 billionth dose of COVID-19 vaccine today – a major milestone in the world’s efforts to combat the global pandemic.“

UNI/RN