Science and Technology Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan has said that multilateral cooperation is the key to overcoming global challenges such as COVID-19.

Speaking at the First Virtual Shanghai Cooperation Organization- SCO Young Scientist Conclave, in New Delhi today, Dr. Vardhan called upon these young scientists to come forward and join hands for developing solutions for common societal challenges including the current Corona pandemic.
 

He informed that the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - is involved in the trial of COVID-19 vaccines’ executions and India is also hosting clinical trials for all the major vaccine contenders. He said, about 30 vaccines are in different stages of development in the country and two of them are in the most advanced stage of development.

 
He said COVAXIN is being developed through ICMR-Bharat Biotech collaboration and COVISHIELD from the Serum Institute of India.

Dr.Vardhan said that the Indian Government has announced a 12 crore US dollar grant for COVID-19 vaccine research.

He said, this is being provided for COVID Suraksha Mission and will be used purely for research and development in this field.