Top world leaders have lauded India's historic achievement of crossing 100 crore Covid-19 vaccinations, terming it as a major milestone in humanity's efforts to combat the global pandemic.
As India scripted history on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that the world is witnessing the triumph of Indian science, enterprise and collective spirit of 130 crore Indians.
With the administration of 61,27,277 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India's Covid-19 vaccination coverage has reached 100.59 crore (1,00,59,04,580) as per provisional reports till 7 am today.
Wishes continue to pour in Friday from across the world, lauding not only India's fight against Covid-19 but also New Delhi's efforts to heal the world through initiatives like Vaccine Maitri.
"Congratulations to my friend Narendra Modi and his government for administering 1 billion doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. A huge achievement. India and Australia are working side by side in the Quad to expand vaccine access across the Indo-Pacific," tweeted Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison today.
Congratulations to my friend @narendramodi and his government for administering 1 billion doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. A huge achievement. India and Australia are working side by side in the Quad to expand vaccine access across the Indo-Pacific. pic.twitter.com/KAhffNvDcp
— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) October 21, 2021
Joining Morrison in praising India's massive achievement was Naftali Bennett, the Prime Minister of Israel.
"Congratulations to Narendra Modi on leading India's successful Covid-19 vaccination campaign that has now administered more than 1 billion vaccines to the Indian people. These life-saving vaccines are helping us all defeat the global pandemic," tweeted Bennett.
While congratulating India, several leaders also emphasised India' resolve to face the challenge and appreciated its stand of using its vaccine production and delivery capacity to help all humanity in fighting the crisis.
"Congratulations to PM Narendra Modi and government of India for administering 1 billion doses of Covid-19 vaccines, displaying the innovation and solidarity of the Indian people. Thank you also, India, for supporting Maldives' Covid-19 recovery and vaccination efforts," said Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, President of Maldives.
India's collaborations enabled it to emerge as a major vaccine production centre for the world and also the lead player in the Quad Vaccine Partnership to help enhance equitable access to safe and effective vaccines in the Indo-Pacific.
"We congratulate India for the extraordinary accomplishment of administering one billion doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. I applaud India's successes in fighting Covid-19 at home and for its efforts to help end the pandemic in the Indo-Pacific region and well beyond," said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
"Congratulations to India on administering their 1 billionth dose of Covid-19 vaccine! We applaud India's commitment to ramp up vaccine production for export and use worldwide. With the Quad, the U.S. and India are working together to vaccinate the world and end the pandemic," added US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman.
India supplied not just vaccines but also Hydroxychloroquine, Remdesivir and Paracetamol tablets, as well as diagnostic kits, ventilators, masks, gloves and other medical supplies to a large number of countries during the pandemic.
Supply of Indian manufactured vaccines to neighbouring and key partner countries, including Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar and Seychelles, stated New Delhi's commitment to use its vaccine production and delivery capacity to help everyone fight the global pandemic.
"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!" said Bhutan Prime Minister Lotay Tshering.
Donating vaccines from its own supply, India assisted its neighbours in responding to the pandemic.
"Congratulations to PM Narendra Modi, the medical community and frontliners of India for achieving this mammoth task. The way forward & adjusting to the new normal while staying safe is highly dependent on a successful vaccination drive. Congratulations on reaching this milestone," tweeted Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) also praised the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in tackling effectively the ongoing Covid-19 crisis.
"Congratulations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the scientists, health workers and people of India, on your efforts to protect the vulnerable populations from Covid-19 and achieve Vaccin Equity targets," tweeted Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO Director General.
Congratulations to @narendramodi on leading India's successful COVID-19 vaccination campaign that has now administered more than 1 billion vaccines to the Indian people.
These life-saving vaccines are helping us all defeat the global pandemic.
🇮🇱💉🇮🇳— Naftali Bennett בנט (@naftalibennett) October 21, 2021
Replying to their tweets individually, PM Narendra Modi also thanked world leaders for their wishes on India crossing 100 crore vaccinations.
"Thank you, PM Naftali Bennett. Appreciate your warm words. This milestone has been made possible by India's scientists, health workers and innovators who are also, along with their Israeli counterparts, building the foundations of our knowledge-based strategic partnership," he wrote in his reply to the tweet by Israeli PM.
Also Read: India’s vaccine drive crosses historic 100 crore doses landmark
