IMF chief hails India, says 'stands out' in vaccine policy

New Delhi, March 09: Acknowledging India's efforts, International Monetary Fund (IMF) chief economist Gita Gopinath applauded India saying, that the country has been at the forefront in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic. She made the remarks during an interactive session organised on the occasion of International Women's Day.

 

"India has been at the forefront in fighting this pandemic," she said. While referring to the country as the manufacturing hub for vaccines, she said that India stands out in terms of its vaccine policy. "I also want to mention that India stands out in terms of its vaccine policy. If you look at where exactly is one manufacturing hub for vaccines in the world - that will be India," Gopinath said.

  

She also added that India has been providing vaccines through grants to several of its neighboring countries, including Bangladesh, Nepal, and Myanmar, and through commercial arrangements as well. The country has played a very important role in helping the world in the global health crisis through its vaccination policies.

 

 

 

She also praised the Pharmacy Serum Institute of India for producing and providing vaccines to the world. The lecture was organised virtually by India's Permanent Mission to the United Nations and The United Nations Academic Impact in the memory of Dr. Mehta was a pioneering Indian reformer and educator.

 

Noting that India was "hit very hard" by this pandemic, Gopinath said the country, which typically grows at over 6 percent, recorded a growth of negative 8 percent in 2020. "So, it was a very hard hit, but you do see the recovery coming back as the country has reopened, activities returning," she said.

It should be noted, IMF has projected an 11.5 percent growth rate for India in 2021.