Waiving IP rights will ensure timely availability of COVID vaccines: India at UNSC

India has worked with South Africa and other partners in the WTO to seek relaxation in the norms of the TRIPS agreement, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said on Friday and noted that this waiver will be an important step for enabling the rapid scaling up of manufacture and timely availability of affordable COVID-19 vaccines and essential medical products on a global basis.

"India has also worked with South Africa and other partners in WTO to seek relaxation in norms of TRIPS agreement to ensure quick and affordable access to vaccines and medicines for developing countries during the COVID pandemic," said Foreign Secretary Shringla at UNSC high-level meeting.