India-US vaccine partnership can make real difference, says Jaishankar 

INDIA’S foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar on Thursday (27) conveyed his appreciation for US solidarity in addressing Covid challenges during a meeting with US national security advisor Jake Sullivan.

Jaishankar also stressed healthcare partnerships and the importance of India US collaborations, which he hoped would strengthen supply chains for vaccine and essential medicines production in India. This is the minister’s first meeting with US senior officials under president Joe Biden’s administration.

Sullivan and Jaishankar welcomed the cooperation in recent weeks that resulted in deliveries of more than $500 million (£ 411 million) in Covid-19 relief supplies from the US federal and state governments, US companies and private citizens across America for the people of India, said Emily Horne, spokesperson of the national security council, White House.

"Our people-to-people ties and our values are the foundation of the US-India partnership and will help us end the pandemic, lead on climate, and support a free and open Indo-Pacific," Sullivan said.

He tweeted, "We will beat this pandemic together."

Jaishankar also held a meeting with US trade representative Katherine Tai and welcomed her stance on IPR (Intellectual Property Rights) issues and support for efficient supply chains.

Early this month, Tai had announced her support for a move by India and South Africa to waive certain IP aspects of Covid-19 vaccines at the World Trade Organization (WTO).

"Our trade, technology, and business cooperation are at the core of our strategic partnership. Enhancing them is vital to post-Covid economic recovery," Jaishankar said.

He also attended a meeting hosted by the US India Business Council and the US India Strategic and Partnership Forum.

Jaishankar also met the chairman of the house foreign affairs committee Rep. Gregory Meeks and ranking member Rep. Michael McCaul.

"The US Congress has been a tremendous pillar of support as India meets the Covid challenge," Jaishankar said.

In another meeting with director of National Intelligence Avril Haines and Jaishankar stressed working closely to address security challenges and strengthen bilateral strategic ties.