PM Modi speaks to Australian counterpart, seeks support on vaccine IPR waiver at WTO
Prime Minister Modi also conveyed his appreciation for the prompt and generous support extended by the government and people of Australia for India's fight against the second wave of Covid-19.
FollowPrime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephonic conversation with his Australian counterpart, Scott Morrison, on Friday and sought his support in seeking a temporary waiver on intellectual property protections for Covid-19 vaccines in WTO.
In October 2020, India and South Africa had proposed in the World Trade Organisation for relaxation in the norms to ensure quick and affordable access to vaccines and medicines for developing countries. Â
On Wednesday, the United States administration had also announced its support for it. France too supports the waiver. However, several European Union countries, including Germany and the UK, have been against the move.
Prime Minister Modi also conveyed his appreciation for the prompt and generous support extended by the government and people of Australia for India's fight against the second wave of Covid-19.
So far, Australia has sent a consignment of 1056 non-invasive ventilators, 500 ventilator consumables, 43 oxygen concentrators and consumables.
"The two leaders agreed on the need to ensure affordable and equitable access to vaccines and medicines for containing Covid globally," an official statement said.
During their conversation, the two prime ministers took stock of the progress made in the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership since the Virtual Summit held on June 4 last year and discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation and foster people-to-people ties.
"The two leaders also discussed regional issues and reiterated the importance of working together for a rules-based international order and a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region," it said.
On May 4, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had appreciated France and Australia's efforts in helping India's fight against the second wave of Coronavirus cases across the country, which has claimed several lives.Â
On the sidelines of the G-7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting, to which India was an invitee, Jaishankar hold the first India-France-Australia Trilateral Ministerial Dialogue in London.
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