US to Provide 60 Million Doses of AZ Vaccine to Other Countries...Support Likely for India (Comprehensive)

"Shipment of 10 Million Doses Possible Within Weeks After Safety Inspection"
Biden Talks with Indian Prime Minister... "Firm Commitment to Support"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Baek Jong-min, Reporter Lee Hyun-woo] The U.S. government announced that it will supply 60 million doses of AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccines, which are currently stockpiled and unused, to overseas countries, drawing attention to which countries will receive the support. The prevailing view is that the initial shipment of 10 million doses will be sent to India. India is a key member of the Quad, a U.S.-led military alliance aimed at countering China, and is currently in a border standoff with China. Additionally, its healthcare system is on the verge of collapse, making it highly likely to receive support. President Biden also promised firm assistance during a phone call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the same day.

According to foreign media including AFP on the 26th (local time), White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said at a press briefing, "We will review ways to share the U.S. AZ vaccines with other countries over the coming months," adding, "If the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) completes its safety review within the next few weeks, about 10 million doses are expected to be shipped first." She continued, "After initially providing 10 million doses, an additional 50 million doses will be produced, making a total of 60 million doses available to other countries by June."

However, she refrained from specifying which countries and how much each would receive, stating that detailed plans have not yet been decided. Psaki explained, "More detailed information about the specific support plans and who will receive the vaccines will be disclosed later," and "We are considering various options from partner countries."

Although the U.S. government avoided specific mentions, the dominant expectation is that the first vaccines to be supported will be allocated to India. On the same day, the White House emphasized that President Biden, during a phone call with Indian Prime Minister Modi, "pledged firm support from the U.S." and stated, "We will provide various emergency aid to India, including oxygen, medical supplies, vaccine materials, and treatments."

U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price also hinted at vaccine support for India during a briefing, saying, "We have a comprehensive strategic partnership with India, but it is important to clarify that this is humanitarian aid, not a political quid pro quo involving vaccinating Indian arms."

India has recently seen the discovery of a triple mutant virus and daily confirmed cases exceeding 350,000, worsening the COVID-19 spread and causing severe damage due to shortages of oxygen and basic medical supplies. As the situation in India deteriorates, concerns about a global COVID-19 triple mutant pandemic are rising, increasing calls for U.S. support.

According to CNN, the Biden administration faces domestic and international criticism for its reluctance to provide overseas vaccine support, alongside growing political pressure within the U.S. to assist India, a key Quad member currently in a border standoff with China.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.