Moscow/New Delhi: After successfully getting the USA lift embargo on COVID-19 vaccine raw materials exports, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the grim pandemic scenario in India with Russian President Vladimir Putin on April 28, 2021.
The Russian President, Kremlin stated, supported Narendra Modi during this difficult period of combatting the spread of the coronavirus and informed him of the decision to send emergency humanitarian aid to India.
In particular, Kremlin informed, already today flights of the Russian Emergencies Ministry will deliver over 22 tonnes of necessary equipment, such as 20 oxygen production units, 75 lung ventilators, 150 medical monitors and 200,000 packs of medicine.
The leaders welcomed the registration of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine in India and noted its high efficiency and safety. They also expressed their satisfaction with the fact that the Russian Direct Investment Fund had reached an agreement with Indian companies to produce 850 million doses of Sputnik V. The production is to begin in May.
Further development of bilateral relations of the especially privileged strategic partnership was discussed, including a schedule of contacts at various levels.
Prime Minister Modi conveyed appreciation for the support received from Russia for India’s Gaganyaan Program and the completion of the Russian phase of training of the four Gaganyaan astronauts. The leaders noted the scope for increasing cooperation in the area of renewable energy, including the Hydrogen economy.
The leaders also decided to establish a new 2+2 dialogue at Minister level comprising Foreign and Defence Ministers from both countries. The two leaders recalled the important decisions taken during their last Summit meeting in Vladivostok in September 2019. Prime Minister Modi conveyed that he looks forward to President Putin’s visit to India later this year for the Bilateral Summit which would provide an occasion to continue their personal and trusted conversation. President Putin assured the Prime Minister of Russia’s full support for the success of India’s Presidency of BRICS during 2021.
– global bihari bureau
