US pledges $25 million for vaccines in India, will end pandemic

Taking forward counter-Covid cooperation, the United States has announced $25 million assistance to support COVID-19 vaccination efforts across India and hoped that joint efforts will help end the pandemic

“This funding will contribute to saving a life by strengthening vaccine supply chain logistics, addressing misinformation, vaccine hesitancy and helping to train more health care workers. We are determined to end this pandemic in India and the United States. We will work to do it,” Mr Blinken said during a joint press conference with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on July 28.

“US has contributed more than $200 million worth of COVID19 assistance. I am pleased to announce that the United States government will send additional 25 million dollars to support vaccination efforts across India,” Mr Blinken said during a joint press conference with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on July 28.

Mr Blinken profusely thanked India for its assistance to the US during the first wave of the pandemic. “We remember with gratitude and will not forget the aid and assistance India provided to us early in the pandemic. I am proud we could return the gesture to India.”

Mr Jaishankar, on his part, underlined that India has acknowledged the US’ efforts to keep the vaccine raw material supply chain open. “We discussed the need for global availability of affordable vaccines. We hope the US would take a sympathetic view of Indian travellers,” Mr Jaishankar said.

Enhancing counter-pandemic collaboration figured prominently in talks between the foreign ministers of the two countries.

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