Tit for tat

In what marks a definite dip in India-UK ties, the government has decided to impose “reciprocal” quarantine conditions on British nationals after the UK refused to reconsider treating fully vaccinated Indians as unvaccinated, allegedly due to issues over the certification process.

Sources said the ministry of health and family welfare will issue new regulations that will be applicable to all UK nationals arriving in India, regardless of their vaccination status. It will include three RT-PCR tests—one within 72 hours before travel, second on arrival at airport, and the third on Day 8—and quarantine at home or in the destination address for10 days after arrival.

This comes in the wake of the UK’s intransigence despite discussions on technical issues and its high commissioner claiming there were no issues or doubts over India’s vaccine certification process.

UK nationals already have to undergo extra screening on arrival in India. The existing rules were put in place since the UK’s surge in December. These include seven days in home quarantine and an RT-PCR test on arrival.

The Indian decision will include pre-departure Covid-19 RT-PCR test within 72 hours before travel, Covid-19 RT-PCR test on arrival at airport, Covid-19 RT-PCR test on Day 8 after arrival and mandatory quarantine at home or in the destination address for 10 days after arrival in India.

UK nationals already have to undergo extra screening when they arrive in India. The existing rules were put in place since the UK’s own surge in December. These include seven days in home quarantine and an RT-PCR test at the airport on arrival.

The new regulations will mirror the UK’s own, which increased quarantine to 10 days and two RT-PCR tests, one at arrival and one on Day 8. The difference is the added test in India. The new regulations are a step-up. The turbulence comes after the new UK rules generated a sharp backlash in India with commentators and officials pointing out that the Indian process with its digital signature and QR code was far more reliable than measures adopted in many other nations.

A British high commission spokesperson said, “The UK is continuing to work on expanding the policy to countries and territories across the globe in a phased approach. We are continuing to engage with the Government of India on technical cooperation to expand UK recognition of vaccine certification to people vaccinated by a relevant public body in India.”