All eyes on India - 'home of 50% world's vaccine production' - at UK PM's vaccine summit

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday will host a virtual Global Vaccine Summit in which over 50 countries and organisations will participate including India. PTI quoting organisers of summit said Prime Minister Narendra Modi or a high-level Indian representative is expected to participate live or with a pre-recorded mess along with at least 35 hes of state or government at event.

'India's response is very positive'

event aims to raise at least USD 7.4 billion for Gavi, Vaccine Alliance, in ditional resources to protect future generations with vaccines and reduce disease inequality. " response we have h from India is very positive. India's participation in Gavi and in supporting (coronavirus) vaccine cant in any way be underestimated and we continue to work toger," said Lord Tariq Ahm, UK Minister for South Asia and Commonwealth.

"It is an established fact that 50% of world's vaccine production is currently in India, which makes it an important partner in that area," said Pakistani-origin UK minister, who has a dual role as a minister in Foreign Office and Department for International Development (DfID).

In 2014, from being a recipient country of Gavi, India became a dor country and has contributed around USD 12 million to date. "It is a table achievement for India that it has become a supporter and that demonstrates steps India has taken in recent years. When we look at scale of production which India has of vaccines, it will be an important partner in ensuring a large number of vaccines are reily available in an equitable fashion," Ahm said.

RE | Cyclone Nisarga to make landfall in Maharashtra between 1 PM to 4 PM; evacuation underway

RE | BJP MLAs told me 'all is t well' with Yediyurappa-led govt, claims Siddaramaiah

Gavi, Vaccine Alliance, is a United Nations-backed organisation which coordinates vaccinations across world.  virtual summit this week comes against backdrop of University of Oxford's fast-track trials for a potential vaccine to protect against coronavirus. However, it has a wider remit as UK hopes it would help raise funds required for Gavi to vaccinate over 300 million children against infectious diseases in world's poorest countries over next five years.

RE | AIIMS Nurses' Union threatens indefinite strike over lack of facilities amid COVID crisis

RE | PM Modi raises ongoing George Floyd protest in US in Trump phone call; big statement here