Ready to support efforts for vaccine, PM Modi tells EU

Efforts to develop a vaccine, as also treatment, for the novel coronavirus is high on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s agenda for 15th India-EU summit this week, official sources here said.

Ahead of the meeting, Modi has conveyed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in a letter – while expressing appreciation for ongoing efforts by EU to develop a vaccine – India’s readiness to contribute to this exercise as world’s foremost producer of vaccine with a proven capacity to supply quality medicines at low cost.

India believes its partnership with EU holds some serious hope for future vaccines and affordable treatment of Covid-19. While Europe has evolved systems for standards and regulatory framework, India has large and low cost production capacity for vaccines and pharmaceuticals, sources here said.

The 15th summit on July 15, in virtual mode, will be co-chaired by Modi and Von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel.

Qoting official sources The Times of India reported that Modi and Von der Leyen, who is the first woman to lead EU, exchanged letters ahead of the summit. Modi conveyed his appreciation for the initiative of the European Commission and Europe as a whole in support of early development of vaccine, treatment and diagnostics for coronavirus.

“He also expressed India’s readiness to contribute to global efforts as world’s foremost producer of vaccine, proven capacity to supply quality medicines at low cost and large scientific talent,” said a source.

Von der Leyen too appreciated India’s support to the principles of availability, accessibility and affordability of healthcare to combat covid-19 tools globally, according to sources.

Modi is expected to highlight in the summit, as he has in his recent international engagements, how India has shared its available stock of medicines with more than 120 countries and also provided customized support to countries around the world.

“Our medical supply recipient has included several European countries. We have emphasized the India stands in solidarity with the world and we have capabilities and the will to contribute to healthcare efforts in the world,” said a source.

According to the government, India has a primary role globally in the area of vaccines as it contributes to immunization of about 60% of the world’s children.

“One of the first programmes launched the present Government of India was Mission Indradhanush which sought to ensure full vaccination of our children and pregnant women – including in the remotest parts of the country. It added 6 new vaccines in India’s national immunization programme,” said the source, adding that India had digitized its entire vaccine supply line and developed an Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network to monitor the integrity of its cold chain (for storing and transporting vaccines). – The Dispatch