New Delhi: On Friday, India reiterated its dedication to the Neighbourhood First Policy by dispatching $2 million in medical support to Nepal.
This aid comprises medications and vaccinations aimed at treating patients suffering from Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Disease. The initial delivery of this support includes 17,030 vials of vaccines intended for the immunization of individuals with Thalassemia.
In a message shared on X, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, stated, "India reaffirms its commitment to the Neighbourhood First Policy. In response to Nepal's request, India is providing $2 million worth of medications and vaccines for patients with Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Disease. "
Additionally, the post noted, "The first delivery of 17,030 vials of vaccines for the immunization of Thalassemia patients has been handed over to Nepal. "
The Neighbourhood First policy shapes India’s approach to its relationships with neighboring nations, prioritizing the establishment of mutually beneficial, people-centric regional frameworks aimed at fostering stability and growth through enhanced physical, digital, and interpersonal connectivity.
India collaborates with these countries on a consultative, non-reciprocal, and results-driven basis, grounded in the principles of Samman (respect), Samvad (dialogue), Shanti (peace), and Samriddhi (prosperity).
Under the Neighbourhood First policy, the Indian Government has been providing essential developmental aid and capacity-building initiatives tailored to the needs and aspirations of its neighbors, thereby aiding in their overall economic advancement. This approach involves supporting neighboring nations in a variety of infrastructure endeavors, spanning large-scale projects to community-related asset provisioning, enhancing capabilities, and delivering financial, budgetary, and humanitarian aid.
India’s support under the Neighbourhood First framework is considered valuable by varying sectors of public opinion among its neighbors, laying a sustainable foundation for these assistance initiatives to persist even through changes in governmental leadership within those countries. The Government remains alert to all developments that could impact India's national security and takes all necessary actions to protect it.
