Biden-Modi talk over phone call, US pledges support for India’s fight against Covid-19

On Monday evening, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke on phone with President Joe Biden as the Biden administration began efforts to facilitate India in its battle against the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. The United States announced the day before that it would provide raw materials for the Covishield vaccine.

President Biden expressed his support for India's efforts against Covid-19 and stated that the US was committed to assisting India's efforts by rapidly deploying services such as therapeutics, ventilators, and finding sources of raw materials for the production ofCovishield vaccines.

The phone conversation between the two leaders is said to have continued for about 45 minutes. During the call, Biden is said to have offered India any assistance it requires in this time of crisis.

Joe Biden tweeted about the development, "Today, I spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and pledged America's full support to provide emergency assistance and resources in the fight against COVID-19," he further emphasized, "India was there for us, and we will be there for them."

Today, I spoke with Prime Minister @narendramodi and pledged America’s full support to provide emergency assistance and resources in the fight against COVID-19. India was there for us, and we will be there for them.

— President Biden (@POTUS) April 26, 2021

Modi described the conversation with the US President as ‘fruitful’ and expressed his gratitude for the assistance provided by USA. He tweeted about the conversation adding, "My discussion with @POTUS @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."

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

PM Modi also notified Biden about India's WTO plan to ease the rules of the TRIPS Agreement in order to provide developing countries with fast and expsensive access to vaccines and medicines.

White House Press Secretary, Jen Psaki informed reporters that US is looking at ways to provide oxygen and other similar supplies at India's request. She explained that US is looking at redirecting deliveries to nations with less immediate need to India, the details of which will be disclosed later.

Psaki said, “As requested by India, we will provide raw materials for the production of AstraZeneca Covishield vaccine at Serum Institute of India. I know some of these have been announced, but that's just a little bit of additional details. So, we’re and ongoing discussions about what their needs are and how we can meet them."

After nearly 72 hours of silence since India broke the record of 300,000+ infections mid-week, the US responded. It was criticized throughout social, political, and business spheres for their lack of concern for India, which is struggling from the effects of the second wave of Covid-19 .