WHO Pandemic Treaty: India’s Advocacy for Equity and the PABS Framework

The negotiations are currently deadlocked over the specifics of these commitments. Developed nations often prioritize voluntary contributions and the protection of Intellectual Property (IP) rights, whereas India and other developing nations seek mandatory, legally binding allocations of health products during emergencies. Furthermore, India has emphasized the need for sustainable financing and the strengthening of healthcare systems in low-and-middle-income countries to ensure they can implement the treaty’s provisions. For India, the treaty represents an opportunity to institutionalize its role as the 'Pharmacy of the World' while ensuring that global health governance becomes more democratic and inclusive. The outcome of these talks will define the international legal obligations for future health crises and determine whether the world can move past 'vaccine nationalism' toward a more collaborative global health architecture. UPSC Relevance: This development is highly relevant for GS Paper II, specifically under international relations and social sector issues related to health. It serves as a critical case study for India’s leadership in the Global South and its efforts to reform international institutions like the WHO to ensure equitable governance and the protection of public health over commercial interests.