Paper: GS Paper II, Subject: International Relations, Topic: International institutions, agencies and fora, Issue: Global Pandemic Agreement
Context
At the UN High-Level Meeting in September 2026, India emphasized the need for international cooperation in preventing and responding to future pandemics. India supported the WHO-led Pandemic Agreement, while stressing national sovereignty, equitable access to vaccines and the interests of developing countries.
Explanation:
1. Major Challenges in the Pandemic Agreement
- Global North–South divide: Developed countries possess greater financial resources, technology and pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities than developing countries.
- Unequal vaccine access: Countries sharing information about new pathogens may not receive timely or affordable vaccines developed using that information.
- Technology transfer: Developing countries demand greater access to manufacturing technologies, while developed countries resist binding commitments.
- Funding uncertainty: Poorer countries may lack the financial capacity to strengthen disease surveillance and healthcare infrastructure.
- National sovereignty: Countries want international coordination without surrendering control over domestic health policies.
2. India’s Position
India supports global solidarity without compromising national sovereignty.
- Equitable access: Vaccines, medicines and diagnostics should reach all countries, irrespective of purchasing power.
- National autonomy: Countries must retain authority over their domestic public health responses.
- Fair benefit-sharing: Countries supplying pathogen samples and data should receive appropriate benefits.
- Practical cooperation: International commitments must be supported by financing, technology-sharing and capacity-building.
3. What Should India Do?
- Strengthen Global South leadership: Represent developing countries in PABS negotiations and promote fair vaccine distribution.
- Build international partnerships: Use platforms such as the G20 and Global Initiative on Digital Health to improve cooperation.
- Improve domestic preparedness: Strengthen laboratories, disease surveillance, health infrastructure and One Health systems.
- Develop pharmaceutical self-reliance: Reduce dependence on imported Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and advanced medical technologies.
- Promote South–South cooperation: Share India’s pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities, digital health solutions and affordable healthcare technologies.
Conclusion
The Pandemic Agreement offers India an opportunity to combine its pharmaceutical strengths with leadership of the Global South. India must help build a global health system where access to life-saving medicines depends on human need, not national wealth.
Source: (The Hindu)
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