India will resume export of surplus COVID-19 vaccines in the fourth quarter of 2021 under the 'Vaccine Maitri' programme and to meet its commitment to the COVAX global pool, but vaccinating its own citizens remains the topmost priority of the government, Union Health said on 20 September.

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Addressing the media, the minister said the government will receive over 30 crore doses of COVID-19 vaccines in October and over 100 crore doses in the coming quarter from October-December. The cumulative doses administered so far across the country has crossed 81.7 crore. The government had stopped export of COVID-19 vaccines after the second wave of the pandemic hit the country in April this year.

Asserting that vaccination of our own citizens remains the government's topmost priority, he said, "India will be resuming export of COVID-19 vaccines under Vaccine Maitri in order to fulfil the commitment of India towards COVAX in line with our motto of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'." The surplus supply of vaccines will be used to fulfil India's commitment towards the world for the collective fight against COVID-19, he said.

COVAX is co-led by Gavi, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and WHO. Highlighting the importance of indigenous research and production of COVID vaccines in India, he said that it is due to the relentless efforts and guidance of Prime Minister that India was simultaneously undertaking research and production of COVID vaccines in such a big way.

India's vaccination drive has been a role model for the world and it is marching ahead with great speed, he said. Talking about the expected production and supply trends in the coming months, he said that more than 30 crore doses will be produced in October and more than 100 crores in the coming quarter.

According to official sources, over 22 per cent of India's eligible population have received both doses of COVID-19 vaccine and nearly 65 per cent have got at least one dose.