WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — The White House announced President Biden & Prime Minister Modi spoke by phone to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic and major assistance is heading for the subcontinent. It marks a huge shift in approach by the Biden-Harris administration from just a week ago. Pressure to assist India as a second wave of COVID hammers the nation came from the Indian diaspora, as well as from the large contingent of Indian Americans in the administration. The Department of Defense & USAID will assist with getting supplies of oxygen, ventilators, PPE, Remdesivir, rapid testing & raw materials out right away.  Also, AstraZeneca vaccines, upon final FDA approval, will be shared with India and the rest of the world.

The Foreign Ministers of all 27 EU countries agreed on the need for a European Indo-Pacific strategy. They plan to get more involved in the region, working with India to promote shared values, Interests and the rule of law.

Ravi Kapur contributed to this report.