ndia has announced that it will be gifting 2 lakh doses of Covid-19 vaccine to United Nations peacekeeping forces.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the virtual open debate of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on the “implementation of resolution 2532 (2020) on the cessation of hostilities in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic.”

The debate was chaired by UK’s Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab calling for a global ceasefire in conflict situations during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Lauding and recognising the contribution made by UN peacekeeping forces, the minister said, “Keeping in mind the UN Peacekeepers who operate in such difficult circumstances, we would like to announce today a gift of 200,000 doses for them."

Citing words from the holy book for the Hindus, Bhagavad Gita, S Jaishankar said that the book states, "Do your work with the welfare of others always in mind".

India also raised five concerns regarding the road to recovery and availability of vaccines. He broadly put them under the

Jaishankar further added that the world needs to “proactively” prepare for the next global pandemic by focusing on improving capacities, developing protocols, and building a knowledge base and expertise.