What happened?
On July 17, 2025, India dispatched 300,000 doses of Measles and Rubella vaccines, along with medical supplies, to Bolivia in response to a growing outbreak. The shipment follows Bolivia’s declaration of a National Health Emergency after 60 confirmed measles cases. Bolivian President Luis Arce Catacora announced the emergency to prevent further spread and ramp up immunisation efforts. India’s MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reaffirmed support for Global South nations, noting that India “stands by its friends.”
Why it matters to India
The aid reflects India’s proactive health diplomacy and commitment to South-South cooperation. The move comes shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met President Arce on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Rio, where both leaders discussed critical minerals, healthcare, and digital public infrastructure. Modi also expressed solidarity following Bolivia’s devastating floods earlier this year and congratulated the country on its bicentennial. The outreach deepens India-Bolivia ties and highlights Delhi’s role as a trusted partner in Latin America.