In a significant development, India has called for further studies to trace the origin of the Covid-19 virus. Earlier, US President Joe Biden had asked US intelligence agencies to probe the origin of the Covid-19 and submit the report within 90 days on whether the virus first emerged in China from an animal source or from a laboratory accident.
India's demand for probing the Covid-19 origin assumes significance as it comes amidst its ongoing border tensions with China.
The authenticity of COVID-19 coming from an infected bat was first questioned by various publication all around the world. Later, an Australian newspaper claimed in a supposed document leak from China that Wuhan scientists created the virus as a biological weapon.
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China has angrily rebutted suggestions that the Covid pathogen escaped from a Wuhan lab but the theory has refused to die down.
The stance taken by India would not go down well with China which has been pointing out that the border tension is seen as only a part of the overall relationship.
The decision also indicates the unwillingness of India to consider normalising ties with China as long as the border conflict with Ladakh remains unresolved.
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MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi admitted that the global study on covid-19 origin by WHO was important. He further stressed that the next phase of studies is also important.
In a response to questions, MEA spokesperson said on Friday, ‘The WHO-convened global study on the origin of Covid-19 is an important first step. It stressed the need for next phase studies as also for further data and studies to reach robust conclusions. The follow-up of the WHO report and further studies deserve the understanding and cooperation of all.” Though he did not name China, the indication to India’s northern neighbour was obvious.
