In a virtual interaction with a group of eminent Indian-American scientists, academicians and doctors, Indian Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu said Ayurvedic practitioners and researchers in India and the United States are planning to initiate joint clinical trials for Ayurveda formulations against the novel coronavirus.
The Indian envoy in Washington stated the vast network of institutional engagements have brought scientific communities between the two countries together in the fight against COVID-19.
"Our institutions have also been collaborating to promote Ayurveda through joint research, teaching and training programs. Ayurvedic practitioners and researchers in both countries are planning to initiate joint clinical trials of Ayurvedic formulations against COVID-19," Sandhu said.
To address COVID-19-related challenges, the Indo-US Science Technology Forum (IUSSTF) had given a call to support joint research and start-up engagements. A large number of proposals are being reviewed on fast track mode by the experts on both sides, he said.
According to the ambassador, there are at least three ongoing collaborations between Indian vaccine companies with US-based institutions. These collaborations would be beneficial not just to India and the US, but also for the billions who would need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 across the world, he noted.
There are over 200 ongoing projects funded by the National Institute of Health (NIH) in India involving 20 institutions from NIH network and several eminent institutions in India engaged in a wide spectrum of research areas to create health care solutions, the senior diplomat said.
In his inaugural address before the virtual India Global Week 2020 summit yesterday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also talked about the major role the nation's pharmaceutical sector had played in fighting the global pandemic, by reducing the cost of medicines and researching vaccines.