Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla says Vaccine Equality should be focused before Vaccine Passport
Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla says Vaccine Equality should be focused before Vaccine Passport
* Globalization to be based on fairness, humanity and equality
* India is amongst the front rank of nations with climate ambition
* Digital revolution and new technologies added a new axis of geotechnology to the intersection of geopolitics and geo-economics
New Delhi, June 18, 2021: Today, at the PAFI Dialogue organized by Public Affairs Forum of India (PAFI), Mr. Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Foreign Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India on the topic of achieving full potential of trade relations between India- US explained that, “We have the basis to create a framework for enhanced trade momentum between India and the US. It will take some time, but elements are there.”
Stressing his view on Vaccine Passport debate; Mr Shringla said that “there is a huge difference in the percentage of populations vaccinated in developed and developing countries. Vaccine equality should be focused before vaccine passport.”
The theme of the PAFI Dialogue was “India's Foreign Policy in the post-Covid World - New Vulnerabilities, New Opportunities”.
Elaborating the new opportunities in the post-Covid world; Mr Shringla said that “transition to a virtual world; requirement of derisking and diversifying supply chains and climate change commitments are important three aspects India is looking at”. He also added that “New and emerging technologies such as Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Quantum computing, advanced materials, advanced manufacturing, genetics and biotechnology will create new superpowers”.
Mr Shringla stated that “The digital revolution and new technologies have added a new axis of geotechnology to the intersection of geopolitics and geo-economics. National power today is more about technology and about systems and processes rather than territory”.
ImageHe further added “Globalization has to be based on fairness, humanity and equality. India is a constructive contributor to the international order.”
Talking about role of Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) during pandemic, Mr. Shringla said, “MEA is the global arm of the government providing the essential support in the national effort through our diplomatic efforts in Covid related actions”
Stating his views on G7 proposal of 15% corporate tax and OECD proposal of equalization levy, Mr Shringla said, “One of the main concerns of G7 is to make sure that it is responding to this unusual situation of COVID-19. The 15% corporate tax and OECD proposal of equalization levy was proposed in that context where they wanted to make sure that the private sector has an equal stake in contributing to the larger areas like availability of vaccine”.
Mentioning that revival of India-EU FTA talks is creating a positive impact on business sentiments; Mr Shringla said, “We are working with EU from quite some time on considering the possibility of investment agreement. We have our industry associations which are in regular touch with EU associations for structural, industrial level talks. We probably need a lot more of these talks and this has our priority as well.”
Praising efforts of Indian Pharmaceutical industry; Mr Shringla said, “We have created capacities, in terms of hospitals and equipments, so that we are better prepared for future waves that may come. But we will continue to strengthen health infrastructure and domestic manufacturing capacity.”
Dr. Subho Ray, President, PAFI & President, IAMAI presented opening remarks and Mr. Virat Bhatia, Vice President, PAFI & Managing Director - Strategy & Policy, Apple India gave a vote of thanks during the PAFI Dialogue.
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About Public Affairs Forum of India (PAFI):
Public Affairs Forum of India (PAFI), the only platform for corporate/public affairs practitioners in the country, has completed 11 years of work in the field of Public Affairs, Advocacy &. Public policy. PAFI (www.pafi.in) has representation from large and medium-sized transnational, Indian and foreign companies. Since its inception, PAFI has been actively promoting transparent Public Affairs, Advocacy & Policymaking. It provides a networking platform and opportunities to exchange views and share experiences between corporates and various stakeholders, through panel discussions, seminars, closed-door dialogues and the Annual National Forum. For more information, visit: www.pafi.in. (Twitter: @PAFI_India)
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Media Center- MEA - Foreign Secretary’s Remarks on “India’s Foreign Policy in the Post-Covid World: New Vulnerabilities, New Opportunities”, Public Affairs Forum of India: https://mea.gov.in/Speeches-Statements.htm?dtl/33929/Foreign_Secretarys_Remarks_on_Indias_Foreign_Policy_in_the_PostCovid_World_New_Vulnerabilities_New_Opportunities_Public_Affairs_Forum_of_India
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About Public Affairs Forum of India (PAFI):
Public Affairs Forum of India (PAFI), the only platform for corporate/public affairs practitioners in the country, has completed 11 years of work in the field of Public Affairs, Advocacy &. Public policy. PAFI (www.pafi.in) has representation from large and medium-sized transnational, Indian and foreign companies. Since its inception, PAFI has been actively promoting transparent Public Affairs, Advocacy & Policymaking. It provides a networking platform and opportunities to exchange views and share experiences between corporates and various stakeholders, through panel discussions, seminars, closed-door dialogues and the Annual National Forum. For more information, visit: www.pafi.in. (Twitter: @PAFI_India)