India ‘clears’ supply of COVID-19 vaccines to Canada

Despite a downward spiral in bilateral relation, India is expected to supply COVID-19 vaccines to Canada soon. The development comes after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau dialled his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi to request a supply of vaccines for the novel coronavirus disease.

Reports said a green signal has been given to supply vaccines to Canada following its PM’s personal request. However, it has yet to be decided how much quantity of vaccines is to be supplied to Canada.

News agency ANI quoted sources as saying that a decision in principle has been taken to send vaccines to Canada and the government may make the announcement soon. Further, a decision is expected this week on the quantum of supply as well as the delivery schedule.

When Trudeau had called PM Modi and made a personal request to supply vaccines, the Indian leader had assured him support.

“Expressing his appreciation, Prime Minister Trudeau said that if the world managed to conquer COVID-19, it would be significant because of India's tremendous pharmaceutical capacity, and Prime Minister Modi's leadership in sharing this capacity with the world. Prime Minister thanked PM Trudeau for his sentiments,” a press statement had informed.

It may be recalled here that the bilateral relations between India and Canada had deteriorated of late.

The relationship especially entered rough weather when the Canadian PM had raised concerns over the ongoing farmers' agitation in India against the newly-formulated three agri laws. Speaking in December, Trudeau had lent support to the farmers’ agitation while stating that Canada will stand by the side to defend the rights of peaceful protests.

India had reacted to that statement of Trudeau and termed the remarks "unwarranted".

However, Trudeau recently changed his stance and lauded India’s move to have a dialogue with protesting farmers. He had also assured security for Indian missions and personnel.