India urges other members of Quad alliance to match China’s investment in vaccine diplomacy

Beijing has committed to provide at least 463 million doses of its Covid-19 vaccines through exports and donations around the world

India is the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer and wants other members of the Quad – Japan, Australia and the US – to help fund production

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A woman receives a shot of Covid-19 vaccine in Bhopal, India. Photo: EPA

Published: 5:30pm, 8 Mar 2021Updated: 5:30pm, 8 Mar 2021

India has urged the United States, Japan and Australia to invest in its vaccine production capacity, an Indian government source said, as the so-called Quad alliance tries to counter China’s growing vaccine diplomacy.

Beijing has committed to provide at least 463 million doses of its home-made Covid-19 vaccines through exports and donations across the world from Asia to Africa, Europe and Latin America.

Two senior Indian officials said the Quad alliance, grouping the United States, Japan, Australia and India, was stepping up efforts to expand global vaccination to counter China’s growing soft power. India, the world’s biggest vaccine maker, believes it is best placed to steer the effort, they added.

Asked for comment, a US State Department spokesperson did not refer to India’s request for funds or to China but said Washington was deeply focused on expanding global vaccination, manufacturing and delivery.

“Secretary [Antony] Blinken spoke with his Quad counterparts on February 18 to discuss cooperation on Covid-19 response and recovery and climate change, among other issues,” the official said.

There was no comment from the Australian government. But a government source said a global recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic was a policy priority for the country and its Quad partners. Australia is exploring a number of options to work with partners to enhance stability and prosperity in the region, the source said.