‘Accept Covaxin, Covishield Or Face Mandatory Q’Tine’: India Toughens Stand On EU COVID Passport

Sources in the foreign ministry said India will begin a reciprocal policy when it comes to an exemption from quarantine. This would mean that unless the EU accepts Covishield and Covaxin certificates, their certificates will not be accepted in the country, NDTV reported

In a brand new faceoff with the European Union (EU) over its vaccine passport issue, the Indian government has reportedly told the EU that it should either accept the two vaccines manufactured in India, Covaxin and Covishield or face mandatory quarantine upon arrival in India.

Sources in the foreign ministry said India will begin a reciprocal policy when it comes to an exemption from quarantine. This would mean that unless the EU accepts Covishield and Covaxin certificates, their certificates will not be accepted in the country, NDTV reported

“We have requested EU Member States to individually consider extending the similar exemption to those persons who have taken COVID-19 vaccines in India, that is, Covishield and Covaxin, and accept the vaccination certificate issued through the CoWIN portal,” sources told The Hindu.

Green Pass, EU’s vaccine passport, which would be available from July 1 onwards, can be used for unrestricted movement in all EU member states for business and tourism purposes. The pass would be granted to those who have been inoculated with any of the vaccines that have been approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

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On Tuesday, foreign minister S Jaishankar took up the issue of inclusion of Covishield in the Vaccination Passport with a top EU official. “Discussed vaccine production and access. Took up ‘Covishield’ authorization for travel to Europe. Will be following up,” Mr. Jaishankar tweeted.