India To Produce 5 Billion COVID Vaccine Doses By 2022-End, Modi Claims At G20 Summit

Rome: Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed on Saturday that India is ready to produce 5 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses by the end of 2022 which will be available for the world.

Speaking at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in the Italian capital, Modi invited leading global countries to make India their partner in economic recovery and supply chain diversification.

Not one to be left behind after President Xi Jinping pointed out China’s contribution to the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, Modi highlighted the role played by India, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said.

He said at a press briefing that the PM mentioned India’s medical supplies provided to over 150 countries as he spoke about the country’s vision of ‘One Earth, One Health’ for a collaborative approach in combating the pandemic.

“He also brought out the fact that despite challenges of the pandemic, India continued to be a trusted partner in the context of reliable supply chains,” Shringla informed.

On Sunday, Modi will attend an event hosted by US President Joe Biden on ‘Supply Chain Resilience’ and also hold bilateral meetings with other leaders.

He will then fly to Glasgow to attend the 26th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Pope accepts Modi invitation to visit India:

Modi met Pope Francis at the Vatican earlier in the day and extended an invitation to visit India. Shringla said the Pope has accepted the invitation.

“You (PM Modi) have given me the greatest gift. I am looking forward to visiting India,” Shringla quoted Pope as saying.