The Global Pandemic Agreement can either correct or deepen the inequities exposed by COVID-19. Examine the issues involved and discuss India's role in shaping an equitable global pandemic-governance framework. (250 words)

The WHO Pandemic Agreement, adopted by 124 States in 2025, seeks coordinated pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. Its unresolved PABS annex will determine whether solidarity becomes operational.

• Equitable access to vaccines, medicines and therapeutics for LICs and LMICs. • Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS): linking access to biological material with fair sharing of resulting products. • Technology transfer, manufacturing capacity and affordable real-time supply versus private intellectual-property and commercial interests. • One Health targets and harmonised regulations require finance and respect for national circumstances; otherwise obligations may burden fragile health systems. • COVID-19 exposed unequal access, supply-chain dependence and the North–South trust deficit.

• As a major vaccine manufacturer and the ‘pharmacy of the world’, India needs a predictable, fair distribution regime while securing access to advanced technology, APIs, PPE and medical devices. • Its continental-scale health system, laboratory networks, digital health capabilities and One Health experience can serve as global public goods. • India should mediate between HIC priorities and Global South concerns through the Partners for Multilateralism and Global Initiative for Digital Health. • It must protect national sovereignty while aligning domestic rules for biological-material access and benefit-sharing with high equity standards.

• Finalise a funded, transparent and enforceable PABS mechanism. • Build regional manufacturing and surveillance capacity, technology pools and interoperable data systems. • Ensure financing, capacity-building and accountability accompany binding preparedness commitments. • Combine WHO coordination with nationally adaptable implementation and periodic review.

WHO Pandemic Agreement; PPPR; PABS; One Health; vaccine equity; Global South; technology transfer; national sovereignty; pandemic preparedness