Is it the responsibility of wealthier nations to ensure equitable access to vaccines and healthcare for developing countries?

The collection of Indian folklore, Panchatantra, tells the story of "The Kind Thief." A thief meets three travelers in a forest. Although he initially plans to rob them, he befriends the travelers and helps them along the way. When the chance comes to steal their wealth, he decides instead to defend them from harm. The thief's selfless act showcases a kindness to his compatriots, encouraging them to appreciate and reciprocate true compassion (JETHWA).

A simple truth lies therein: kindness begets kindness. 

Today, the EU encompasses 27 member states. They share policies on trade, agriculture, and regional development, and operate a single market that allows for the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people. This “European integration” has brought about innumerable acts of kindness and solidarity among nations, fostering a sense of unity and cooperation. Take, for example, how European citizens have continuously shown empathy for displaced people during multiple migrant crises—like when the Danes helped refugees cross the border by boat, train, or automobile during a massive migrant influx in 2015, even though they stood the possibility of being detained on smuggling charges. Their generosity and selflessness inspired other nations in Western Europe to follow suit (Prize). 

In the 19th century, a number of mutual aid societies were established in Europe, when workers pooled their money to support one another in times of illness. These cultures laid the groundwork for modern social health insurance programs by promoting togetherness beyond national borders. Such collaborations have been essential to European integration in the lens of the public, as seen by the Maastricht Treaty, which expanded public health cooperation among member states (Wike). These programs serve as a reminder: governments enact laws, but it’s the people who gain from deeds of kindness—the moral imperative to cooperate works for the common good.

During the COVID-19 outbreak, the Maldives and India's relationship demonstrated a comparable degree of this unity. In January 2021, under its “Vaccine Maitri” initiative, India donated 100,000 doses of the Covishield vaccine—manufactured in India—to the Maldives, enabling the nation to begin amass vaccination program. An additional 100,000 doses followed in February 2021 (Express News Service). Beyond vaccines, India even extended a $250 million financial package to support the Maldives' economic recovery during the pandemic. Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih expressed gratitude for India's assistance, highlighting its crucial role in the country's COVID-19 response (bsindia).

A global community is fostered by integrating compassion into diplomacy, which emphasises our shared obligation to help one another. Individual welfare must override institutional interests in this approach, which ultimately benefits the people in societies all over the world. We can more successfully handle global issues by adopting empathy and compassion in international relations, making sure that collaborative projects and humanitarian endeavors are prioritized during diplomatic gatherings. The trust and solidarity between states that open the door to a more resilient and peaceful world will ultimately be fostered by a diplomacy that is rooted in genuine kindness.

REFERENCES

1. JETHWA. “The Generous Thief: A Tale of Selflessness - Bedtimestoriesforall.com.” Bedtimestoriesforall.com - “Read Well, Live Well,” Oct. 2024, bedtimestoriesforall.com/the-generous-thief-a-tale-of-selflessness/. 

   
   

2. ‌Prize, First Deputy Managing Director Remarks for the Bernhard Harms. “Europe in a Fragmented World.” IMF, 2023, www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2023/11/30/sp-fdmd-remarks-bernhard-harms-prize.

   
   

3. ‌Wike, Richard. “4. The European Union.” Pew Research Center’s Global Attitudes Project, Pew Research Center’s Global Attitudes Project, 14 Oct. 2019, www.pewresearch.org/global/2019/10/14/the-european-union/.

   
   

4. ‌Service, Express News. “Met with Maldives Minister: Jaishankar Gifts 1 Lakh Vaccines, Says Relations Poised for Quantum Jump.” The Indian Express, 20 Feb. 2021, indianexpress.com/article/india/met-with-maldives-minister-jaishankar-gifts-1-lakh-vaccines-says-relations-poised-for-quantum-jump-7197628/.

   
   

5. India. Maldivian president thanks India for “generous aid” during Covid pandemic. @bsindia. Published March 15, 2022. https://www.business-standard.com/article/international/maldivian-president-thanks-india-for-generous-aid-during-covid-pandemic-122031500365_1.html?