New Delhi, Dec 16: British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday and discussed the vast potential of the India-UK partnership in the post-Brexit world, and launching of a ‘vaccines hub’ which will share best practice for clinical trials and foster innovation besides helping in shared fight against coronavirus.
In a tweet after the meeting, Modi said he was looking forward to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s visit to India to be the Chief Guest at the Republic Day celebrations next month.
“Excellent meeting with Dominic Raab, UK Secretary of State of FCDOGovUK. Discussed the vast potential of the India-UK partnership in the post-COVID, post-BREXIT world,” Modi tweeted.
A UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office statement said the British Foreign Secretary met Prime Minister Modi to discuss the UK and India working together “as a force for good and launching the pioneering new vaccines hub which will share best practice for regulation and clinical trials, and foster innovation.” According to the statement, Raab also announced that “experts from India and the UK will join forces through a new virtual hub to deliver vaccines for coronavirus and other deadly viruses”.
Raab, during his meeting with Modi, also pitched for a closer UK-India relationship as part of a wider UK focus on our partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, according to the statement. They also spoke about the 10-year roadmap which heralds a new era for the UK and India with an ambitious plan for an “Enhanced Trade Partnership”, the statement from the British side said.
Welcoming the UK and India’s collaboration on tackling coronavirus, the British foreign secretary praised Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to equitable global access to vaccines.
Later, Raab also visited a Delhi health clinic where Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccines will be administered. India’s Serum Institute is poised to make over a billion doses of the coronavirus vaccine developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca. Unlike other vaccines, it can be stored at normal fridge temperatures, making it easier and cheaper to produce and keep – and distribute around the world.
Millions of the doses made by the Serum Institute will be distributed to the world’s poorest people via the global COVAX initiative, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and Gavi, the vaccine alliance, the British statement said. (PTI)
