India backs calls for detailed studies on origin of Covid
In what is being seen as a clear thinly-veiled blunt message to China to cooperate, India on Friday termed the World Health Organisation (WHO)-convened global study on the origin of Covid-19 as an “important first step” and “stressed the need for next phase studies as also for further data and studies to reach robust conclusions”, adding that the “follow up of the WHO report and further studies deserve the understanding and cooperation of all”.
The Ministry of External Affairs said, “The WHO convened global study on the origin of Covid-19 is an important first step. It stressed the need for next phase studies as also for further data and studies to reach robust conclusions. The follow up of the World Health Organisation (WHO) report and further studies deserve the understanding and of all.”
According to media reports, the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) is once again under the spotlight as in the past few days, the theory that the virus emerged from the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China, which was once dismissed, has suddenly gained steam with United States President Joe Biden ordering a review of Covid-19 origins.
According to these reports, the state media of China has also not shied away from attacking top US infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci who has said he is “not convinced” Covid-19 developed naturally while calling for an open investigation into the virus’ origins.
It may be recalled that earlier this year, the findings of a WHO-led mission, written jointly with Chinese scientists, had investigated the origins of the virus.
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