US Shocks India: Covid Vaccine Raw Materials

The United States has given a shock to India by denying the latter’s request to lift the ban on export of raw materials of Covid-19 vaccine. India had requested the US to send raw materials for vaccine production. However, the US has turned down India’s request stating that the US is focusing on vaccinating the American people first. It defended its decision on the restrictions of export of raw materials.

This is certainly a blow to India which is witnessing a huge surge in Covid-19 cases. It reported over 3 lakh cases for three straight days which is close to a million in three days and it’s a world record. The Covid-19 related deaths are also equally alarming.

The Serum Institute of India (SII), which manufactures the Covishield vaccine, has requested the US to lift an export ban on the raw materials. Media reports estimate that the US export ban on the raw materials of Covid vaccine could last another month. However, more details are awaited.