NEW DELHI: Amid an alarming surge in coronavirus cases in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday spoke to US President Joe Biden over telephone and discussed the importance of smooth and efficient supply chains of vaccine raw materials.
PM Modi further said that his discussion with the US President also underscored the importance of “smooth and efficient supply chains of vaccine raw materials and medicines” and inputs required for the manufacture of vaccines, medicines, and therapeutics related to COVID-19.
“India-US healthcare partnership can address the global challenge of COVID-19,” he added.
The Prime Minister said that he discussed the Covid-19 situation in both countries in detail and said he thanked his US counterpart for his support.
“Had a fruitful conversation with @POTUS @JoeBiden today. We discussed the evolving COVID situation in both countries in detail. I thanked President Biden for the support being provided by the United States to India,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a tweet.
He also said that the Covid-19 can be beaten by India-US healthcare partnership and his discussion with Biden focused on ensuring ‘smooth and
efficient’ supply chains of vaccine raw materials and medicines.
The US will help with therapeutics, ventilators and identifying sources of raw materials to be made available for the manufacture of Covishield vaccines, the Prime Minister’s Office said.
In a statement, the Prime Minister’s Office also said the two leaders discussed “India’s ongoing efforts to contain the second wave of COVID-19 through expedited vaccination efforts, and ensuring supply of critical medicines, therapeutics and healthcare equipment”.In a statement, the White House said: “The President pledged America’s steadfast support for the people of India who have been impacted by the recent surge in COVID-19 cases... the United States is providing a range of emergency assistance, including oxygen-related supplies, vaccine materials, and therapeutics”.
After the telephone conversations, the External Affairs Ministry has issued a statement saying “US President Joe Biden on Monday conveyed solidarity with India in its fight against Covid-19 and asserted that his country was determined to support its efforts by quickly deploying resources such as therapeutics, ventilators and identifying sources of raw materials to be made available for the manufacture of Covishield vaccine”.
Biden expressed the support of the US to India in a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during which the two leaders discussed the pandemic situation in their countries, including India’s ongoing efforts to contain a second wave of Covid-19 through expedited vaccination efforts, and ensuring the supply of critical medicines, therapeutics and medical equipment.
PM Modi also mentioned India’s commitment to contain the Covid-19 pandemic globally through ‘Vaccine Maitri’, and its participation in COVAX and the Quad Vaccine Initiatives. This may increase the hope for fulfilling all the commercial agreement, including Bangladesh, an official expressed to media.
Modi also informed Biden about India’s initiative at the World Trade Organization (WTO) for a relaxation in the norms of the Agreement on TRIPS to ensure quick and affordable access to vaccines and medicines for developing countries, the statement said.
