India advocates for resilient health systems at UN pandemic meeting
Health Secretary outlines India's global health security strategy and COVID-19 lessons
1India's global health commitment
Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava represented India at the UN high-level meeting on pandemic preparedness in New York. She emphasized India's coordinated approach to health emergencies, covering government and societal responses. The meeting occurred on September 25, 2026, focusing on translating COVID-19 lessons into systemic improvements. India's strategy includes expanding laboratory networks and emergency coordination capabilities.
2COVID-19 response infrastructure
India highlighted its expanded health emergency capabilities developed during COVID-19, including workforce training and medical stockpiles. The country stressed that preparedness must be rooted in national health systems with domestic financing. Digital solutions proved crucial during the pandemic for surveillance, vaccination, and supply chain management. India proposes recognizing digital public infrastructure as a global public good.
3Vaccine diplomacy record
During COVID-19, India supplied 300 million vaccine doses to approximately 100 countries and two UN entities. This medical assistance extended to over 150 nations, demonstrating India's 'One Earth, One Health' philosophy. The Health Secretary emphasized these efforts reflect commitment to Global South solidarity. Fair access to health products remains a cornerstone of India's global health policy.
4WHO Pandemic Agreement
India addressed the WHO Pandemic Agreement adopted in May 2025, calling it a significant milestone. The agreement's credibility depends on establishing a fair Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) system. India insists countries providing pathogens should receive timely access to resulting medical technologies. The political declaration shouldn't prejudge ongoing PABS annex negotiations, according to India's position.
5Sovereignty in health policy
India emphasized that pandemic responses must respect national sovereignty and circumstances. The 'One Health' approach should be implemented according to domestic and international law. Member states should lead in reviewing pandemic tools and assessments due to policy implications. India argues these processes require consultation with member states to be effective.
6Digital infrastructure lessons
Drawing from COVID-19 experience, India highlighted digital solutions' critical role in health emergencies. These technologies supported surveillance, risk communication, and service continuity during the pandemic. India advocates for recognizing such digital public infrastructure as global public goods. The approach reflects lessons from managing large-scale vaccination and supply chain operations.
7Equity in preparedness
India's Health Secretary stressed that equity must remain central to future pandemic responses. Preparedness represents a shared global responsibility requiring demonstrated solidarity. The WHO Director-General noted progress in health security architecture since COVID-19. However, delays in PABS system negotiations could hinder future pandemic responses.
8Global health leadership
India's comprehensive presentation positions it as a leader in global health security discussions. The country bridges domestic capacity building with international cooperation demands. Its substantial vaccine diplomacy during COVID-19 lends credibility to its policy positions. India's emphasis on equitable access and digital infrastructure reflects pragmatic lessons from recent health crises.