India will play role of scaling up Covid-19 vaccine production once discovered, says Modi

Our Correspondent
Kohima, July 9 (EMN): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that India equally focuses on the health of the economy while ensuring people’s health in the fight against Covid-19 pandemic, and that the country will have an important role in developing and scaling up production of vaccine for the virus once it is discovered.

He was addressing the inaugural of the three-day virtual conference of India Global Week 2020 being held from July 9 to the 11th.

“On one hand, India is fighting a strong battle against the global pandemic. With an increase in focus on people’s health, we are equally focused on the health of the economy,” Modi said.

Further, in his address to over 5000 global participants, Modi said: “Indians have the spirit to achieve what is believed to be impossible.”

The prime minister added that India is making the economy more productive, investment-friendly, and competitive.

The contribution of India‘s talent force in various fields is clear, Modi said. “Who can forget the Indian tech industry and tech professionals? They have been showing the way for decades. India is a powerhouse of a talent that is eager to contribute and ever ready to learn,” he said.  

“In these times, it is natural to talk about revival. It is equally natural to link global revival and India. There is faith that the story of global revival will have India playing a leading role,” Modi said.

“India remains one of the most-open economies in the world. We are laying a red carpet for all global companies to come and established their presence in India. Very few countries will offer the kind of opportunities that India does today,” he said.

While mentioning that ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ means a self-reliant India, he pointed out that this doesn’t imply being ‘closed to the world’. Rather, it is about being “self-sustaining and self-generating” and will pursue policies that promote efficiency, equity, and resilience, he added.

Modi said Covid-19 pandemic has shown that India’s farming industry is an asset not just for the country but for the entire world. Further, India is opening its doors to investors to come and invest directly in the hard work of farmers, he added.

India has played a leading role in reducing the cost of medicines, particularly for developing countries. ‘Vaccines made in India are responsible for two-third of the vaccine needs of the world’s children,’ Modi pointed out.

Saying that companies from India are active in international efforts for development and production of Covid-19 vaccine, the prime minister was confident that the country will have an important role in developing and in scaling up production of the vaccine once it is discovered.

He said that India is ready to do whatever it could to further global good and prosperity. This is an India that is reforming, performing, transforming, offering new economic opportunities, and adopting human-centric and inclusive approach to development, he said.