India is unlikely to resume export of more vaccine until October

India is unlikely to resume export of more vaccine until October

India is unlikely to resume massive exports of COVID-19 vaccine until at least October as it delivers firearms for domestic use, say three government sources, a longer delay than expected would exacerbate the shortage of global COVAX delivery.

Fighting a major global outbreak of coronavirus infection, India halted vaccination exports last month after donating & selling more than 66 million doses. The move has left countries including Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and many other African countries looking for other necessities.

The World Health Organization, which heads COVAX, on Monday urged manufacturers of vaccines outside India to improve the supply of the program due to shortages from the South Asian country. Sources, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to speak to the media on the matter, said India's vaccination campaign would now be prioritized as its coronavirus spread exceeded 25 million and the daily death toll is making history.

"We do not have to legally transfer it to all countries as we are not obliged to do so," said one source on the decision to delay export. "It has been discussed internally and some countries have been asked not to expect export commitments given the current state of India."

Two other sources said the exact timing of the resumption of exports could change depending on how India will be able to quickly control the second wave of cases that have ended the health system. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of India, which co-ordinates and oversees all exports, has not responded to a request for comment