Covid-19: Joe Biden promises India 'emergency assistance' in call to PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday spoke to American President Joe Biden and stressed on free flow from the United States of the raw materials required to produce Covid-19 vaccines to India.

Biden, The White House said "pledged America's steadfast support for the people of India" and said the United States "is providing a range of emergency assistance, including oxygen-related supplies, vaccine materials and therapeutics."

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“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,” Modi tweeted after speaking to Biden over phone.

Modi said that his discussion with Biden also underscored “the importance of smooth and efficient supply chains of vaccine raw materials and medicines”.

“India-US healthcare partnership can address the global challenge of Covid-19,” the Prime Minister posted on Twitter.

"Just as India sent assistance to the United States as our hospitals were strained early in the pandemic, we are determined to help India in its time of need," Biden had tweeted earlier on Monday.

(With agency inputs)