Pakistan is an instigator of problems in India’s neighbourhood, said Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Friday following the conclusion of Quad Summit and India-US bilateral meet.

During the bilateral meeting of PM Modi and US President Joe Biden, and even at the Quad Summit, comprising Australia, India, Japan and the US, “there was a clear sense of a more careful look, examination and monitoring of Pakistan’s role in Afghanistan,’ said Shringla.

He went on to say, “An important factor which sometimes gets overlooked is when you see Pakistan, projecting itself as a facilitator, whereas, it has really been in many senses an instigator of some of the problems that we are dealing with in our neighbourhood and beyond.”

He also confirmed during the Quad Summit, clear concern was expressed on Pakistan’s role in Afghanistan and continuing support for approaches that didn’t seem to be conducive.

India continues to work against Covid

During the bilateral meet with President Joe Biden, PM Modi expressed thanks for the solidarity shown by the US govt and the people of the US when India had the second wave of crisis.

“President Biden appreciated India’s role that has extended assistance to countries across the world including through pharmaceuticals and vaccines,” said Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla.

Indian vaccines which were of quality, were affordable, could be skilled up significantly. It would make a difference in terms of vaccine availability and dealing with vaccine inequity in the developing world. We received great appreciation in these areas, he said.

Meanwhile at Quad’s request, PM Modi said India would make available 8 million doses of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine, manufactured in India by Biological E. This would be ready by October end and compatible with India’s decision to resume vaccine export.

US bats for India’s permanent seat at UNSC

Shringla asserted that during the Quad Summit, there was an appreciation of India’s presidency of the UN Security Council, especially on the Afghanistan issue. President Joe Biden was very specific in stating that he felt India should have a permanent seat in the UN Security Council, he said.

PM Modi has invited President Joe Biden to visit India. President Biden noted with thanks and appreciation. We certainly look forward to the visit of the US President at the earliest and mutual convenience, added the Foreign Secretary.