In a major announcement on Tuesday, NITI Aayog member Dr. VK Paul said that India is currently conducting Phase 1 and Phase 2 trials of two COVID-19 vaccines. This comes as an important milestone for the country which is registering record number of cases each day.

“India’s two COVID19 vaccines are in phase 1 and 2 of trials. Discussions have already begun how will the vaccines be made available to all those who need it,” said Paul in a press briefing today.

He also said that the government of India will ensure that India and other countries have access to an Indian vaccine as early as possible.

“Every possible facilitation will be ensured making sure trials conducted scientifically and ethically, and we arrive at an affordable option,” the member of the health department of NITI Aayog added.

India recorded a spike of 37,148 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, taking the tally to over 11 lakhs. A total of 28,084 COVID-19 linked deaths have been recorded since the outbreak of the pandemic in the country. 

Meanwhile, researchers at the Oxford University announced on Monday that a vaccine developed by them induces “double immunity” against the virus. However, experts say that it is too early to confirm anything. The vaccine is currently undergoing its Phase 3 trials.