During a joint statement delivered by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Kamala Harris on Thursday, the United States Vice President lauded India’s recent announcement to resume the export of the COVID-19 vaccine from next month. 

Earlier in the week, the Indian health ministry said that the country would resume the export of surplus vaccines with donations from October.

“I welcome India’s announcement that it will soon be able to resume vaccine exports,” Harris said while delivering a statement alongside Modi ahead of the Quad meeting between the leaders of India, United States, Australia and Japan. 

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Indian Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced on Monday that “under Vaccine Maitri, we will help the world and contribute to COVAX in the fourth quarter.”

The government is expecting to receive over 30 crore doses of COVID-19 vaccines in October and over 100 crore doses in the next three months.

“We expect to get more than 30 crores doses of COVID vaccine next month. The production will go up as Biological E & other companies are bringing their vaccines into the market,” Mandaviya said.

He said that the surplus supply of vaccines will be used to fulfil India’s commitment towards the world for the collective fight against COVID-19.

Furthermore, Harris expressed admiration for India’s vaccination drive. “It is particular note & admiration that India, I’m told, is currently vaccinating approximately 10 million people a day as of today,” she said.

Talking about the time when the United States sent aids for India to help the country with its fight against the pandemic, Harris said: “When India experienced the surge of COVID in the country, the United States was proud to support India in its need & its responsibility to vaccinate its people.”

In June this year, the US announced an additional $41 million in assistance to help India respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthen the country’s preparedness for future health emergencies, taking the total aid to more than $200 million.  

Lastly, the Indian PM invited Kamala Harris to visit India. He added, “India and America are natural partners; we have similar values, geopolitical interests, and our coordination and cooperation is also increasing.”