Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephonic conversation with US President Joe Biden yesterday. The leaders discussed the evolving COVID-19 situation in both countries in detail. The discussion covered India’s ongoing efforts to contain the second wave of the pandemic through expedited vaccination efforts and ensuring supply of critical medicines, therapeutics and healthcare equipment.
President Biden conveyed solidarity with India and affirmed that the United States is determined to support India’s efforts by quickly deploying resources such as therapeutics, ventilators and identifying sources of raw materials to be made available for the manufacture of Covishield vaccines.
Prime Minister Modi conveyed his heartfelt appreciation for the offer of assistance and support from the US Government. He mentioned India’s commitment to contain the COVID-19 pandemic globally through Vaccine Maitri and its participation in COVAX and the Quad Vaccine Initiatives. The Prime Minister underscored the need to ensure smooth and open supply chains of raw materials and inputs required for manufacture of vaccines, medicines and therapeutics related to COVID-19.
Both leaders underlined the potential of the India-US partnership in vaccine development and supply to address the COVID-19 pandemic and directed their officials to maintain close coordination and cooperation in their efforts in this domain.
Mr Modi also informed Mr Biden about India’s initiative at the World Trade Organization for a relaxation in the norms of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights(TRIPS) to ensure quick and affordable access to vaccines and medicines for developing countries.
In a tweet after the conversation, Mr Modi said his discussion with the US President also underscored the importance of smooth and efficient supply chains of vaccine raw materials and medicines.