UN CHIEF BACKS INDIA OVER WAIVING TRIPS

United Nations, June 12: UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has extended support to India and South Africa’s initiative at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to waive intellectual property protection for Covid-19 vaccines and products, though he cautioned that “technology transfer” must be backed up by “technical support”. India has worked with South Africa and other partners at the WTO to seek a relaxation in the norms of the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) agreement to ensure quick and affordable access to vaccines and medicines for developing countries during the Covid-19 pandemic. “I support the initiative that was taken by South Africa and by India in relation to TRIPS, waving TRIPS regulations,” he said.