Context: India has supplied Prussian Blue capsules to Indonesia after Cesium-137 (Cs-137) contamination was detected in Jakarta. This humanitarian action followed an official request from Indonesia’s Ministry of Health, underscoring India’s role as a regional first responder in public health and nuclear safety cooperation.
About Prussian Blue:
- Nature: Prussian Blue (ferric hexacyanoferrate) is a dark blue pigment and an FDA-approved oral medicine used for treating internal contamination by radioactive or non-radioactive caesium (Cs) and thallium (Tl).
- Mechanism: It binds radioactive isotopes in the intestine, preventing absorption into the bloodstream and facilitating excretion through stool.
- Use: It is part of the WHO Essential Medicines List and a key stockpile item in nuclear emergency preparedness.
About Caesium-137 (Cs-137):
- Origin: A radioactive isotope produced as a byproduct of nuclear fission in reactors and weapons testing.
- Half-life: Around 30 years, meaning it remains hazardous for decades.
- Radiation Type: Emits beta and gamma radiation, both harmful to living tissue.
- Health Impact:
- External exposure can cause burns and acute radiation sickness.
- Internal exposure increases risks of cancer and organ damage.
- Detection & Cleanup: Radiation detectors and decontamination agents such as Prussian Blue and potassium ferricyanide compounds are used to mitigate exposure.
India’s Role and Strategic Significance:
- Humanitarian Leadership: India’s timely delivery reflects its expanding role as a regional health and disaster relief provider, aligning with its “Neighbourhood First” and “Act East” policies.
- Technological Capability: India maintains Prussian Blue stocks under the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) for nuclear or radiological emergencies.
- Diplomatic Value: Strengthens India–Indonesia bilateral relations, particularly under the ASEAN-India partnership framework for regional security and health cooperation.
- Historical Parallel: India had earlier provided medical and nuclear safety assistance to Japan and Sri Lanka under similar emergency circumstances.
Conclusion:
India’s dispatch of Prussian Blue capsules to Indonesia reinforces its commitment to regional stability, humanitarian aid, and nuclear safety diplomacy — enhancing its image as a trusted partner in crisis response and responsible scientific power in Asia.