Modi, Biden talk after US says will send raw materials for vaccine

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US president Joe Biden spoke over the phone on Monday, a day after the US said it would send raw materials to make extra Covishield vaccine stocks.

The United States stepped forward as the European Union, Germany, France, and a number of other countries pledged to assist India in combating the virus's vicious second wave, which has been infecting more than 3 lakh people daily since 21 April.

PM Modi tweeted that the two leaders discussed the Covid situation in both countries and that he thanked President Biden for his promise of assistance.

"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," PM Modi's tweet read.

The US will assist with therapeutics, ventilators, and make available the raw materials for the manufacturing of Covishield vaccines, according to the Prime Minister's Office.

In a statement, the PM's office also said the two leaders also discussed "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". 

In a statement, the White House said: "The President pledged America's steadfast support for the people of India who have been impacted by the recent surge in COVID-19 cases... the United States is providing a range of emergency assistance, including oxygen-related supplies, vaccine materials, and therapeutics".

The surplus 30 million doses of the AstraZeneca-Oxford University vaccine, known in India as Covishield, were not mentioned in the White House statement. The Biden administration has come under fire over the stockpile's fate, with many calling for it to be transported to where it is needed.

On Sunday, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan confirmed with his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval that the US would "immediately" make the raw materials needed for Covishield production in India available.

Adar Poonawalla, the director of the Serum Institute, tweeted a request to the US President earlier this month.

"Respected @POTUS, if we are to truly unite in beating this virus, on behalf of the vaccine industry outside the U.S., I humbly request you to lift the embargo of raw material exports out of the U.S. so that vaccine production can ramp up. Your administration has the details," his tweet read.

With vaccination opening up for the 18-to 45-year age group from May 1 amid the Covid surge, India is expected to need huge stocks.

On Sunday, President Biden said the US is "determined" to help India in its "time of need". "Just as India sent assistance to the United States as our hospitals were strained early in the pandemic, the United States is determined to help India in its time of need," he had tweeted.