PM Narendra Modi asks Covid-19 vaccine makers to make shots in India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday extended an invitation to Covid-19 vaccine makers around the world to make the shots in India. He was addressing the 76th session of the UNGA.

Modi also said that India has developed the world's first DNA vaccine for Covid-19.

"I would like to inform the UNGA that India has developed the world's first DNA vaccine. This can be administered to anyone above the age of 12. An mRNA vaccine is in the final stages of development. Indian scientists are also developing a nasal vaccine against COVID-19," he said.


Taking a sly dig at Pakistan, PM Modi said countries using terrorism as a political tool need to understand its implications.

"Countries with regressive thinking that are using terrorism as a political tool need to understand that terrorism is an equally big threat for them," he said.

He also said that that it was essential to ensure that Afghanistan's territory was not used to spread terrorism.

"We also need to ensure that no country tries to take advantage of delicate situation in Afghanistan & use it for its own selfish interests. At this time, people of Afghanistan, women & children, minorities need help. We must fulfill our duties by providing them with help," PM Modi said.

Calling India the mother of democracy, Modi said the country had a great tradition of democracy that goes back to thousands of years.

“I represent a country that is proud to be known as the mother of democracy. On 15th of August this year, India entered into the 75th year of its independence,” he said.

Citing his own small town roots, Modi said his rise from a tea seller to prime minister underscores the strength of India's democracy.

“Our diversity is the identity of our strong democracy,” he said.