US President Joe Biden appreciates India's decision to resume Covid-19 vaccine exports

Washington: US President Joe Biden has appreciated the decision of the Government of India to resume exports of COVID-19 vaccines from October, said Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla. President Biden said this during his first in-person meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Earlier Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at Quad’s request, India would make available 8 million doses of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine, manufactured in India by Biological E. He said, this would be ready by October end and compatible with India’s decision to resume vaccine export.

Addressing a special press briefing on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s second day of engagements in the US, Shringla said the discussions were wide-ranging including on vaccines.

Mr Shringla said, during his meeting with US President, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the issue of getting access for Indian professionals to US and mentioned about H1B visa. Mr Shringla said the President assured the



Prime Moinister that the issue will be looked into.

There was strong emphasis on trade and economic relations. The Prime Minister appreciated the solidarity shown by the US when India was undergoing the crisis of Covid second wave.

President Biden placed on record his appreciation for India as a country that has extended assistance to countries across the world, even when it was undergoing crisis.

Shringla said the meeting was characterised by warmth and cordiality and both productive and timely. The leaders acknowledged that the comprehensive global strategic partnership between the two countries was firmly anchored in a shared commitment to democratic values and common strategic interests.

Shringla added that though the discussions were wide-ranging importance was placed on dealing and combating with Covid crisis by both leaders. The leaders were able to brief each other on their experiences.