India has been at the forefront in fighting the coronavirus pandemic and "really stands out" in terms of its vaccine policy, Chief Economist of the IMF Gita Gopinath said on Monday. She hailed the country for playing a very important role during the crisis by manufacturing and shipping the Covid-19 vaccines to several nations. Gopinath made the comments in an interactive session during the Inaugural Dr. Hansa Mehta Lecture organised on occasion of International Women's Day. Gopinath noted that India has been providing vaccines through grants to several of its neighbour countries and through commercial arrangements as well.
Gopinath also lauded the Serum Institute of India, saying it produces the most number of vaccines in the world in a regular year and has been manufacturing the Covid-19 vaccine doses that are delivered to COVAX and then distributed to countries around the world.