Corona crisis: PM Modi speaks to US President Joe Biden, says 'discussed the evolving COVID situation in both countries'

With the Covid-19 crisis becoming worse by the day as case numbers are surging, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden spoke on the phone. This comes on the day both US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris assured India and its people of providing all assistance, including urgently sending necessary medical life-saving supplies and equipment, to help the country combat the deadly coronavirus pandemic.

After the conversation, PM Modi tweeted, "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."
 
In another tweet, PM Modi said, "@JoeBiden also underscored the importance of smooth and efficient supply chains of vaccine raw materials and medicines. India-US healthcare partnership can address the global challenge of COVID-19."

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PM Modi during his telephonic conversation with US President Biden 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.

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.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 26, 2021

In a series of tweets, ANI revealed that PM Modi and US President Biden discussed COVID-19 situation in their respective countries, including 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.

It was also revealed that the US President conveyed solidarity with India and affirmed that the US was 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 vaccine.

On his part, PM Modi conveyed to US President his heartfelt appreciation for offer of assistance & support from US government. He mentioned India’s commitment to contain the COVID globally through Vaccine Maitri, and its participation in COVAX and the Quad Vaccine Initiatives.

PM Modi and US President underlined the potential of the India-US partnership in vaccine development and supply to address the COVID-19 pandemic, and directed their respective officials to maintain close coordination and cooperation in their efforts in this domain.

PM Modi also informed US President Joe Biden about India's initiative at the WTO for relaxation in the norms of the Agreement on TRIPS to ensure quick and affordable access to vaccines and medicines for developing countries. 

The two leaders agreed to remain in regular touch.

Joe Biden had earlier tweeted, "Just as India sent assistance to the United States as our hospitals were strained early in the pandemic, we are determined to help India in its time of need."

On her part, Kamala Harris tweeted, "The US is working closely with the Indian government to rapidly deploy additional support and supplies during an alarming COVID-19 outbreak. As we provide assistance, we pray for the people of India - including its courageous healthcare workers."

"The American people stand in solidarity with our friends in India during these difficult times. We are rapidly providing therapeutics, ventilators, PPE, raw material for vaccines, and more," said Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman on what steps the US is taking to lend a hand to the Indian public.