News Analysis India

Tag: Joe Biden

  • Indian press ‘much better behaved’ than US media: Biden at meet with PM Modi

    By ANI

    WASHINGTON: During his first in-person bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden on Friday said that the Indian press is “much better behaved” than the American media.

    Biden hosted PM Modi at the Oval Office in the White House for the first in-person bilateral meeting after he took over as the US President on January 20.

    “I think what they’re going to do is bring in the press. The Indian press is much better behaved than the American press. And I think, with your permission, we should not answer questions because they won’t ask any questions on point,” Biden said shortly after the two leaders greeted each other.

    On this, PM Modi said he is completely agreed with Biden.

    In his opening remarks here at the White House here on Friday, PM Modi said that the bilateral summit is important and noted that the seeds have been sown for an even stronger friendship between India and the US.

    The Prime Minister said US President is taking initiatives to implement his vision for bilateral relations. He further added this decade will be shaped by talent and people-to-people linkages.

    The two leaders also attended the first in-person meeting of Quad alongwith Australian PM Scott Morrison and Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga.

    Since January, PM Modi and Biden have participated in three summits. Two of them were hosted by President Biden – the Quad virtual summit in March and the Climate Change Summit in April which was also held virtually.

    Prime Minister Modi arrived in Washington for his much-touted US visit on Wednesday.

    The Prime Minister held bilateral meetings with United States Vice President Kamala Harris and Prime Ministers of Australia and Japan on Thursday.

  • Biden appreciated India’s decision to resume COVID vaccine exports: MEA

    By ANI

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

    Biden hosted PM Modi at the Oval Office in the White House for the first in-person bilateral meeting.

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

    “It was the meeting which was characterised warmth, cordiality. It is both productive and timely. The leaders on a broad plain 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,” he said.

    “The discussions were wide-ranging but what was very evident was that the importance both leaders placed on dealing and combating with Covid crisis. Both leaders were able to brief each other on their experiences. The Prime Minister expressed solidarity shown by the US when we had second wave of crisis. President Biden appreciated India as a country that has extended assistance to countries across the world,” he added.

    Speaking further, Shringla said: “There were discussions on vaccines. President Biden appreciated the decision of the Government of India to resume exports of vaccines from October. He said that the US announced a significant increase in their own efforts to distribute vaccines. This also come up in Quad. Indian vaccines which were of quality and affordable would also be scaled up significantly to make a difference in terms of the availability of vaccines and in dealing with vaccine inequity in the developing world. I think there is a great appreciation there on those factors.”

    US Vice President Kamala Harris earlier welcomed New Delhi’s announcement that it will soon be able to resume exports of COVID-19 vaccines. PM Modi, who is on a three-day visit to the US, held a first in-person meeting with Harris on Thursday.

    Early this year, India halted vaccine exports as coronavirus cases surged in the country.Recently, the Indian government announced that the country will resume exports of COVID-19 vaccines in the October quarter, prioritising the global vaccine-sharing platform COVAX and neighbouring countries first as supplies rise.

  • PM Modi invites US President Biden to visit India

    By ANI

    WASHINGTON: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited US President Joe Biden to visit India, said the Ministry of External Affairs, adding that New Delhi looks forward to the visit of the US leader at the “earliest and mutual convenience”.

    “PM Modi invited President Joe Biden to visit India. President Biden noted with thanks and appreciation. We certainly look forward to the visit of the US President at the earliest and mutual convenience,” Shringla said in a special briefing.

    Prime Minister Modi, who is on a three-day visit to the US, held his maiden bilateral meeting with US President Biden and attended the Quad leaders Summit.

    On Thursday, Prime Minister Modi praised US Vice President Kamala Harris as a “source of inspiration” while extending an invitation to her to visit India.

    “Your election as Vice President of USA has been an important and historic event. You are a source of inspiration for many across the world. I am confident that under President Biden and your leadership our bilateral relations will touch new heights,” PM Modi said in a joint press conference with Harris after the two leaders met.

    “Continuing on this journey of victory, Indians would also want you to continue that in India and therefore they are waiting to welcome you. I extend you an invitation to visit India,” he added. (ANI)

  • Quad summit will be force for global good: PM Narendra Modi

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the Quad vaccine initiative would greatly help the countries of the Indo-Pacific region. Modi, along with US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, participated in the first-ever in-person Quad leaders’ summit in New York.

    “Be it Covid, security, or technology, the Quad will work together and will be a force for global good,” the prime minister said in his opening remarks.

    Biden, who is hosting the summit, said that the Quad group has democratic partners who share a world view and have a common vision for the future. He also announced the Quad scholarships where 25 students from each member country would be able to pursue master’s degrees in prestigious US universities.

    Earlier this year in March, the leaders had met virtually in the first-ever Quad summit. The leaders are expected to discuss and announce the formation of working groups on the situation in Afghanistan, 5G technology, supply chains and infrastructure cooperation. Morrison said that Australia believes in a free and open Indo-Pacific while Suga said that it was important that the US lifted restrictions on the import of Japanese products like rice and others for an effective economic recovery in the post-pandemic period.

  • Situation in Afghanistan legacy of US President Biden’s foreign policy, says NC leader Omar Abdullah

    By PTI

    SRINAGAR: National Conference (NC) vice president Omar Abdullah on Monday said the situation in Afghanistan is the legacy of US President Joe Biden’s foreign policy.

    He also said Biden cannot blame his predecessor Donald Trump or anyone else for the “vacuum” created in Afghanistan after the withdrawal of the US troops from the war-ravaged country.

    “I don’t grudge the US their departure from Afghanistan but this wasn’t the way to leave. @JoeBiden this is on you. You can’t blame Trump or anyone else for this. As @POTUS you set the final date & created a vacuum. This is your foreign policy legacy, make no mistake,” Abdullah wrote on Twitter.

    He was referring to the scenes at the Kabul airport, the videos of which have gone viral on social media platforms.

  • US greets India on Independence Day, says ties ‘more important than ever’

    By ANI

    WASHINGTON: Extending wishes on the occasion of India’s Independence Day, US President Joe Biden said that New Delhi and Washington must show the world that the “two great and diverse democracies” can deliver for people everywhere.

    In a statement, Biden said: “I wish all those celebrating today, in India, in the United States, and throughout the world, a safe and happy Indian Independence Day”.

    “On Aug 15, 1947, India achieved its long journey towards independence, guided by Mahatma Gandhi’s message of truth & non-violence. Over decades, ties b/w our people, including a vibrant community of over 4 million Indian-Americans, have strengthened our partnership,” he added. US Pres Joe Biden.

    In this moment of ‘great challenges and opportunities’, President Biden said that the partnership between India and the United States is more important than ever.

    “This past year, our nations have come together in new ways as we tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, including working in partnership with Japan and Australia–through the Quad–to expand global manufacturing of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines and to strengthen our ‘last-mile’ coordination to reach people throughout the Indo-Pacific,” he said.

    “In this moment of great challenges and opportunities, the partnership between India and the United States is more important than ever. And as we do, the friendship between our nations will continue to flourish and grow. I wish all those celebrating today, in India, in the United States, and throughout the world, a safe and happy Indian Independence Day,” he added.

    India is celebrating ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, marking the 75th year of Independence. A series of events are being organised across the country to mark the occasion.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the Independence Day celebrations from Red Fort in New Delhi on Sunday.

  • US lawmakers push Biden administration for more Covid-19 vaccines, medical aid to India

    By PTI
    WASHINGTON: Several US lawmakers have urged the Biden administration to ensure that India receives enough COVID-19 vaccines and medical aid, saying the health crisis in the country is “devastating” and America has a responsibility to help its close allies defeat the pandemic.

    The American lawmakers called on the US government to send more vaccines and medical assistance to India after President Joe Biden on Thursday announced that the US will allocate 75 per cent – nearly 1.9 crore of the first tranche of 2.5 crore doses – of unused COVID-19 vaccines from its stockpile to countries in South and Southeast Asia as well as Africa by the end of June.

    Biden said the US will share the vaccine to many countries to fight the pandemic through the UN-backed COVAX global vaccine sharing programme as part of his administration’s framework for sharing 80 million (8 crore) vaccines globally.

    “The crisis in India is devastating and demands more action from (President Joe) Biden. More COVID-19 vaccines and medical supplies are needed to help one of our most important global allies fight this virus,” Texas Governor Greg Abbott said.

    In a tweet, the Republican governor urged US citizens to join him in praying for India.

    Republican Senator Ted Cruz said that almost 300 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in the US.

    ALSO READ: India records over 1 lakh fresh Covid-19 infections; active case tally drops to 14,01,609

    “India is a critical friend of the US. Biden’s vaccine sharing programme is flawed: We should prioritise our allies such as India, and make sure it receives the COVID-19 vaccines they desperately need,” he said.

    Senator Roger Wicker from the Senate Armed Services Committee said that it is important for the US to continue helping other nations beat the coronavirus.

    “Sending excess vaccines to close allies like India doesn’t just make sense, it is the right thing to do,” he said.

    Congressman Michael McCaul, a ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs, tweeted, “Glad to see critically needed vaccines and other therapeutics will be sent to India to continue to support a longstanding partner and ally.” He said as Texans, this reinforces close ties between “our community and the Indian-American diaspora”.

    Congressman Adam Smith lauded President Biden for the steps taken to assist countries that need help.

    “The COVID-19 crisis in India and other countries has been devastating, and more vaccines and medical supplies are still needed,” said the chairman of the powerful House Armed Services Committee.

    “To defeat COVID-19, we must fight it both at home and around the world,” Smith, a Democrat, added.

    Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna, also a member of the House Armed Services Committee, said to help India deal with shortage, the US needs to send those vaccines that it will never use, just like India helped America in its time of need.

    Congressman Dan Crenshaw said Houston is home to a large Indian community with friends and families in need back in India.

    “It should be a priority within this international programme,” he tweeted.

    Observing that the COVID-19 situation in India is “heartbreaking”, Congressman August Pfluger said that the US has a responsibility to help its ally.

    “We should immediately send additional vaccines and critical medical supplies,” he said.

    The US has also sent critical medical equipment and medicines to India to fight the second wave of COVID-19.

    Congressman Darren Soto said as a member of the India Caucus, he thanked President Biden for announcing 25 million in vaccines to hard hit places like India.

    “Let’s continue to take the necessary steps to address the deadly second wave of COVID-19 there with surplus medical supplies and vaccines,” said the member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

    Congressman John Curtis said that while 63 per cent of adult Americans have received at least one shot, many of the US’ friends have no access to vaccines.

    “It’s important we share with countries like India — a return to normalcy and an eventual end to this brutal pandemic will require some global cooperation,” said Curtis, who is a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

    Congressman Troy Nehls urged Biden to immediately send surplus vaccines to India to help it in its fight against COVID-19.

    He is a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

    In this global health crisis, it is important that America targets excess COVID-19 vaccines to those around the world that need it most, said Congressman French Hill.

    “The situation in India, one of our closest allies, is dire. I encourage the Biden administration to support India with vaccines in their time of need,” said Hill, who is a member of the House Financial Services Committee.

    Congressman Tim Burchett said that the US needs to make sure that India gets the COVID-19 vaccines.

    “The response to the tragedy of the COVID-19 pandemic must be global.

    We must work to close the gaps in our global alert system and work with our allies to make sure this never happens again,” tweeted Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick.

    India reported 1,00,636 fresh COVID-19 cases on Monday, the lowest in 61 days, taking the infection tally to 2,89,09,975, according to the Union Health Ministry’s latest data.

    The death toll due to coronavirus reached 3,49,186 with 2,427 new fatalities, the lowest in around 45 days.

  • Poonawalla thanks Biden, Jaishankar for policy change to boost vaccine production

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI: Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla on Friday thanked US President Joe Biden and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for a policy change that will boost the production of COVID-19 vaccines in India and globally.

    Confident of the availability of COVID-19 vaccines in the US, the Biden administration has removed Defense Production Act priority ratings on AstraZeneca, Novavax and Sanofi vaccines.

    While the firms will continue to make these three vaccines, this action will allow US-based companies that supply these vaccine manufacturers to make their own decisions on which orders to fulfil first.

    Sharing the link of a press briefing by White House COVID-19 response team and public health officials, Poonawalla said, “Thanks to the efforts of @POTUS, @WhiteHouse, & @DrSJaishankar, this policy change will hopefully increase the supply of raw materials globally and to India; boosting our vaccine production capacity and strengthening our united fight against this pandemic.”

    Earlier in April, Poonawalla had tweeted, “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”.

  • US backing for vaccine patent waiver a game changer in India’s Covid fight?

    Express News Service
    NEW Delhi: A crucial decision by the US administration to support a waiver on intellectual property protection on Covid-19 vaccines could help Indian vaccine makers produce inexpensive foreign-made vaccines, but experts caution that there are still hurdles ahead.

    This initiative on such a waiver was first proposed by India and South Africa in October last year.

    US president Joe Biden on Wednesday expressed his support for the waiver – in reversal to the country’s position earlier – and his remarks were followed by a statement from his top trade negotiator, Katherine Tai, who endorsed the negotiations at the World Trade Organization.

    “This is a global health crisis, and the extraordinary circumstances of the Covid-19 pandemic call for extraordinary measures,” Tai said in a statement.

    The major decision by the Biden administration comes amid growing concerns that the huge Covid-19 outbreak in India could lead to outbreaks in other countries too, in times to come, even though most of them seem to be recovering from the infectious disease now.  

    ALSO READ | India’s vaccine drive loses steam, second doses delayed

    Experts in India, which has been struggling to ensure vaccine supply to a significant chunk of population due to acute supply shortage, while welcoming the move also said that this development should be seen with caution.

    “To my understanding, it is a laudable step and will help countries like India in procuring higher doses of vaccines at lower costs if the World Trade Organisation agrees to the proposal and vaccine makers transfer their formula with local companies,” said Manisha Gupta, an IPR expert.

    She however also said that a possible hurdle in the way could be ensuring the quality of products if the foreign vaccine makers share the technology.

    “Countries like India will have to ensure that only companies which are capable of maintaining quality get the license to make generic versions of the vaccines,” she added.

    Some others like IPR lawyer Deepshikha Malhotra also stressed that the advantage could ultimately depend on the agreements later between the patent holders and local license seekers once the waiver is granted by the WTO.

    Also, she said, the companies which may get the license through the international agreements may have to fulfill all the regulatory requirements, as is the case now.

    ALSO READ | Fully protected only after second dose of Covid vaccine: Experts

    Former Union health secretary Sujatha K Rao, meanwhile, welcomed the development saying that it brings hope for much-needed vaccine equity to low- and middle-income countries.

    “In days to come, it is likely to enable vaccine production at very affordable prices helping governments provide it free to all and the price will no longer be a barrier to access,” she hoped.

    A few trade experts though pointed out that most Indian vaccine companies seem to be happy to work through exclusive pacts and do not favour free technology transfers.

    Serum Institute of India, for instance, has signed pacts with AstraZeneca and Novavax while Biological E has entered into an agreement with Johnson & Johnson for its Covid-19 vaccine.

  • After Joe Biden’s offer of help, global tech giants pour support to Covid-hit India

    By Express News Service
    BENGALURU: A day after US President Joe Biden announced the lifting of the embargo on the exports of vaccine raw materials and helping India tide the Coronavirus wave, aid has started pouring in from the top global tech giants. 

    Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said in a statement that he was heartbroken by the current situation in India. ”I’m grateful the US government is mobilizing to help. Microsoft will continue to use its voice, resources, and technology to aid relief efforts, and support the purchase of critical oxygen concentration devices,” he added. On Tuesday, e-commerce giant Amazon said that it would airlift 100 ICU ventilator units from the US to India, working in coordination with the country’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The e-tailer also said that it is working with a non-profit organization of various Indian startups, ACT Grants to import over 8,000 oxygen concentrators and 500 BiPAP machines from Singapore into the country.

    ALSO READ | Where is the vaccine for youth, ask experts as India set to open up COVID-19 shots for all

    The e-tailer said that it is working closely with Medtronic (MT) for these units to be airlifted into India. “we expect the consignment to enter the country in the next two weeks. Amazon India is working closely with the MoHFW appointed agencies to finalize the hospitals with the most urgent need so that Amazon can partner with MT for end-to-end delivery, installation, maintenance, and training of personnel who will use these machines,” the company said in a statement.

    Earlier, Apple CEO Tim Cook said that the tech firm will donate to the relief support and medical aid supplies in India. “Amid a devastating rise of COVID cases in India, our thoughts are with the medical workers, our Apple family, and everyone there who is fighting through this awful stage of the pandemic. Apple will be donating to support and relief efforts on the ground,” Cook said in a statement.

    On Monday, Google CEO Sundar Pichai announced Rs 135 crore ($18 million) aid to India to help with direct cash for low-income families as well as augment medicine supplies. “This includes two grants from Google.org, Google’s philanthropic arm, totaling 20 Crore INR ($2.6 million USD). The first is to GiveIndia to provide cash assistance to families hit hardest by the crisis to help with their everyday expenses. 

    The second will go to UNICEF to help get urgent medical supplies, including oxygen and testing equipment, to where it’s needed most in India. It also includes donations from our ongoing employee giving campaign — so far more than 900 Googlers have contributed 3.7 Crore INR ($500,000 USD) for organizations supporting high-risk and marginalized communities,” Pichai said in a statement.