India and US discuss Afghanistan and joint Covid-19 relief efforts in Italy

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<strong>Exactly a month after they had met in Washington, India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar and United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken once again held a one-on-one meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers' meeting at Matera in southeastern Italy on Tuesday night.<br />
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The EAM, who had earlier in the day came out strongly in support of vaccine equity and international cooperation to overcome the Covid-19 challenge during his address to the foreign ministers, said that both discussed the Indo-Pacific and the Afghan situation.<br />
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"Thank you Dr S Jaishankar for a great discussion today at G20. I look forward to continuing to work together on our joint Covid-19 relief efforts, Indo-Pacific cooperation, to advance regional security priorities, and address the climate crisis," Blinken tweeted after meeting Jaishankar.<br />
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This was the third meeting between the duo in the past few weeks – they had also held discussions during the G7 Foreign Ministers' meeting in London in May – highlighting the comprehensive global strategic partnership between India and the United States.<br />
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The US had earlier this month announced its plan for global Covid-19 vaccine sharing, sending the first tranche of 25 million doses to several countries, including India, pending legal and regulatory approvals.<br />
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Earlier, while India was fighting a devastating second wave of Covid-19, the Joe Biden government had deployed six planeloads of life-saving supplies to New Delhi and mobilized its partners in India to immediately stand up surge support.</p>
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<img alt="jaishankar blinken" src="https://www.indianarrative.com/upload/news/jaishankar_blinken_meeting_italy1.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: 100%;" /><br />
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Jaishankar, who had yesterday highlighted the need for more vaccines, medicines, PPE, oxygen and international cooperation to answer the Covid challenge, once again shared the concerns during the Foreign and Development Ministers held on Tuesday evening.<br />
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The Development Ministers’ meeting held for the first time focused on commitment to supporting a strong, inclusive and sustainable post-pandemic recovery in developing countries.<br />
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"Covid has impacted the fight against poverty, hunger and disease across the world. It has pushed back the global development agenda, increasing vulnerability in many societies. India is today at the forefront of the response, giving food support to 800 million citizens," the EAM said while sharing his views on contemporary challenges at the development ministers' meeting.<br />
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"Livelihood, health, digital access and climate action should now constitute the new developmental priorities. Appreciate Italy for highlighting food security. The Matera Declaration reflects the Indian concern for the welfare of small and medium farmers, promoting local food cultures and recognising agri-diversity," he added.</p>
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