Flipkart said on Thursday it had acquired parent Walmart Inc`s local cash-and-carry business, as the e-commerce firm strengthens its wholesale offerings to compete better with Amazon.com Inc.

The deal will allow Flipkart to launch a digital marketplace called Flipkart Wholesale next month, the Bengaluru-headquartered firm said, without disclosing any financial details of the deal.

Walmart, which has been running Best Price wholesale cash-and-carry stores in India since 2009, bought a controlling stake in Flipkart in 2018 for $16 billion.

The brand has 28 wholesale stores, two fulfillment centers and more than 1.5 million members, largely comprising mom-and-pop stores, but Walmart has not been able to make money from this business.

The Flipkart deal, which local daily Economic Times had said&nbsp;was in the offing in January, comes as e-commerce players including Amazon look to woo India`s mom-and-pop stores that are considered the backbone of the economy.

Flipkart also faces competition from local online grocery upstart JioMart, backed by billionaire Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries, whose digital arm has raised around $20 billion.

India does not allow foreign investors to control and market their own inventory on their e-commerce platforms, which is seen as giving JioMart and other local players an edge in a key growth market for e-commerce.

Walmart India employees will join the Flipkart Group as part of the deal, Flipkart said.

Flipkart said on Thursday it had acquired parent Walmart Inc`s local cash-and-carry business, as the e-commerce firm strengthens its wholesale offerings to compete better with Amazon.

Flipkart said on Thursday it had acquired parent Walmart Inc`s local cash-and-carry business, as the e-commerce firm strengthens its wholesale offerings to compete better with Amazon.com Inc. The deal will allow Flipkart to launch a digital marketplace called Flipkart Wholesale next month, the Bengaluru-headquartered firm said, without disclosing any financial details of the deal. Walmart, which has been running Best Price wholesale cash-and-carry stores in India since 2009, bought a controlling stake in Flipkart in 2018 for $16 billion. The brand has 28 wholesale stores, two fulfillment centers and more than 1.5 million members, largely comprising mom-and-pop stores, but Walmart has not been able to make money from this business. The Flipkart deal, which local daily Economic Times had said was in the offing in January, comes as e-commerce players including Amazon look to woo India`s mom-and-pop stores that are considered the backbone of the economy. Flipkart also faces competition from local online grocery upstart JioMart, backed by billionaire Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries, whose digital arm has raised around $20 billion. India does not allow foreign investors to control and market their own inventory on their e-commerce platforms, which is seen as giving JioMart and other local players an edge in a key growth market for e-commerce. Walmart India employees will join the Flipkart Group as part of the deal, Flipkart said.

Flipkart buys parent Walmart's Indian wholesale business

Slamming China's aggression over India, the US House of Representatives has unanimously passed an amendment to the National Defence Authorization Act. The amendment states that India and China should work against de-escalating the situation along the LAC. Watch report.

US lower house stands against China: Anti-US amendment passed against China

In an exclusive reply to WION on the Kulbhushan Jadhav case, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has said that the decision taken by the court is binding and final. Watch report.

WION ExclusiveL: 'ICJ judgement is binding and final' on Kulbhushan Jadhav case

As coronavirus infections climb in Mumbai, authorities in&nbsp;India's worst-hit city are turning to high-tech "smart helmets" to speed up screenings and identify suspected cases in the financial capital's densely-populated slums.

The portable thermoscanners -- previously deployed in Dubai, Italy and China -- enable health workers to record the temperatures of dozens of residents per minute and could emerge as a key weapon in Mumbai's quest to eradicate the virus from the city of 18 million.

"Traditional screening methods take a lot of time. You go to a slum with 20,000 people and it takes you three hours to screen 300 people," said Neelu Jain, a medical volunteer affiliated with the non-profit group Bharatiya Jain Sanghatana.

"But when you use these helmets, all you have to do is ask people to come out of their homes, face them and you can screen 6,000 people in two-and-a-half hours," she told AFP.

The helmets were donated to authorities in Mumbai and the nearby city of Pune, which have both been locked in a months-long battle against the pandemic, with cases across&nbsp;India&nbsp;soaring past one million on Friday.

But with just two helmets in use in each city, the push to identify and isolate infected residents will take a long time.

The imported helmets -- which cost around 600,000 rupees ($8,045) -- are also in high demand in places like Dubai, said Jain, making it very difficult to expand capacity.

As coronavirus infections climb in Mumbai, authorities in India's worst-hit city are turning to high-tech "smart helmets" to speed up screenings and identify suspected cases in the financial capital's densely-populated slums.

As coronavirus infections climb in Mumbai, authorities in India's worst-hit city are turning to high-tech "smart helmets" to speed up screenings and identify suspected cases in the financial capital's densely-populated slums. The portable thermoscanners -- previously deployed in Dubai, Italy and China -- enable health workers to record the temperatures of dozens of residents per minute and could emerge as a key weapon in Mumbai's quest to eradicate the virus from the city of 18 million. "Traditional screening methods take a lot of time. You go to a slum with 20,000 people and it takes you three hours to screen 300 people," said Neelu Jain, a medical volunteer affiliated with the non-profit group Bharatiya Jain Sanghatana. "But when you use these helmets, all you have to do is ask people to come out of their homes, face them and you can screen 6,000 people in two-and-a-half hours," she told AFP. The helmets were donated to authorities in Mumbai and the nearby city of Pune, which have both been locked in a months-long battle against the pandemic, with cases across India soaring past one million on Friday. But with just two helmets in use in each city, the push to identify and isolate infected residents will take a long time. The imported helmets -- which cost around 600,000 rupees ($8,045) -- are also in high demand in places like Dubai, said Jain, making it very difficult to expand capacity.

Mumbai deploys 'smart helmets' to screen for coronavirus

India's first coronavirus vaccine 'COVAXIN' human trials will begin on July 21 at the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), Delhi after its Ethics Committee gave its nod. COVAXIN is an indigenously developed COVID-19 vaccine. Watch report.

'Covaxin' human trial begins in AIIMS: Phase 1 & 2 trials of potential vaccine

China is not just Pakistan's lifeline, but Nepal's guide, mentor and creditor too. It is not set to be Iran's biggest investor too with a 400 million dollars new deal.&nbsp;

And now China is tightening its grip on Sri Lanka by pushing India and its allies out.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-india-sri-lanka-hold-talks-on-colombos-debt-repayment-309753">Covid-19: India, Sri Lanka hold talks on Colombo's debt repayment</a>

Take a look at China's encirclement strategy. How China is building ports and infrastructure around the Indian subcontinent.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka is a key part of this strategy. The country had to give up the Hambantota Port to China on a 99 year lease. With this port, Colombo has given Beijing a strategic foothold along a critical, commercial and military waterway.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-china-pushing-india-out-of-a-sri-lankan-port-314759/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A report that came out 10 days ago suggest Sri Lanka is rethinking of a port deal with India.&nbsp;

The deal was signed between India, Japan and Sri Lanka in 2019 and allowed India and Japan to develop a new east container terminal.

As per the agreement, Sri Lanka has the majority, 51 per cent stake at the deal, but still President Gotabaya Rajapaksa wants to shelve it.&nbsp;

Apparently, the workers at the Colombo port want the deal scrapped, a reason that looks silly.

A closer look at the issue declutters the situation. Sri Lanka is flush with Chinese funds and 12 per cent of its debts are owed to Beijing.&nbsp;

This means China dictates terms and that explains the situation itself.&nbsp;

Rajapaksa seems to be distancing himself from the grants and funds offered by the Quad nations.&nbsp;

In June, a Japan-funded rail project was shelved. Sri Lankan officials urged the president to refuse a $480 million grant from the US, however, final decision is yet to be taken.&nbsp;

And now India's role in the Colombo port is under a shadow.

These developments benefit only one party, and that's China.&nbsp;

Beijing is securing its strong foothold in Sri Lanka and wants to drive others out.&nbsp;

Also, China is meddling in Lankan politics too. General elections are due in the island nation and reports suggest Chinese are cultivating a "wide swathe of political allies". Representatives from China are meeting leading political parties.&nbsp;

Some of these meetings are happening behind closed doors, others are out in open.&nbsp;

A picture was clicked last year, which has an interesting composition. All leading political parties in Sri Lanka and the members of the Communist Party are present in a single frame.&nbsp;

This means that China is investing in all political players. So, it doesn't matter who gets elected on the upcoming elections, but China will be the winner.&nbsp;

Six days ago, China's state wire agency said the Chinese embassy donated masks to the election commission of Sri Lanka

The press release went on to describe how China "supports" Sri Lankan local, and central governments, enterprises, organisations and individuals.&nbsp;

In March, Colombo sought a loan of $500 million from China to fight the Wuhan virus and Beijing was quick to write the cheque and draw Colombo deeper in its trap of debt.&nbsp;

China is not just Pakistan's lifeline, but Nepal's guide, mentor and creditor too. It is not set to be Iran's biggest investor too with a 400 million dollars new deal.

China is not just Pakistan's lifeline, but Nepal's guide, mentor and creditor too. It is not set to be Iran's biggest investor too with a 400 million dollars new deal. And now China is tightening its grip on Sri Lanka by pushing India and its allies out. Also read | Covid-19: India, Sri Lanka hold talks on Colombo's debt repayment Take a look at China's encirclement strategy. How China is building ports and infrastructure around the Indian subcontinent. Sri Lanka is a key part of this strategy. The country had to give up the Hambantota Port to China on a 99 year lease. With this port, Colombo has given Beijing a strategic foothold along a critical, commercial and military waterway. A report that came out 10 days ago suggest Sri Lanka is rethinking of a port deal with India. The deal was signed between India, Japan and Sri Lanka in 2019 and allowed India and Japan to develop a new east container terminal. As per the agreement, Sri Lanka has the majority, 51 per cent stake at the deal, but still President Gotabaya Rajapaksa wants to shelve it. Apparently, the workers at the Colombo port want the deal scrapped, a reason that looks silly. A closer look at the issue declutters the situation. Sri Lanka is flush with Chinese funds and 12 per cent of its debts are owed to Beijing. This means China dictates terms and that explains the situation itself. Rajapaksa seems to be distancing himself from the grants and funds offered by the Quad nations. In June, a Japan-funded rail project was shelved. Sri Lankan officials urged the president to refuse a $480 million grant from the US, however, final decision is yet to be taken. And now India's role in the Colombo port is under a shadow. These developments benefit only one party, and that's China. Beijing is securing its strong foothold in Sri Lanka and wants to drive others out. Also, China is meddling in Lankan politics too. General elections are due in the island nation and reports suggest Chinese are cultivating a "wide swathe of political allies". Representatives from China are meeting leading political parties. Some of these meetings are happening behind closed doors, others are out in open. A picture was clicked last year, which has an interesting composition. All leading political parties in Sri Lanka and the members of the Communist Party are present in a single frame. This means that China is investing in all political players. So, it doesn't matter who gets elected on the upcoming elections, but China will be the winner. Six days ago, China's state wire agency said the Chinese embassy donated masks to the election commission of Sri Lanka The press release went on to describe how China "supports" Sri Lankan local, and central governments, enterprises, organisations and individuals. In March, Colombo sought a loan of $500 million from China to fight the Wuhan virus and Beijing was quick to write the cheque and draw Colombo deeper in its trap of debt.

China's debt trap: Is India out of the Colombo Port deal?

The race to find the COVID-19 vaccine is heating up. India may or may not win the contest. But, no vaccine will succeed without India. Most of the world's current vaccines are made in India. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you why the world can't mass produce a Covid-19 vaccine without India.

Gravitas: India: The World's Vaccine Producer

India, the third worst-hit nation by the pandemic after the United States and Brazil, has been recording a record high on a daily basis.

More than 1.1 Million COVID cases in India, 7 Lakh recovered

People in Jammu and Kashmir have now joined the campaign to `Boycott Chinese products` and adopt `Made in India` products after the Galwan incident last month. 
 
In Kashmir, people don `Boycott China` face masks as a mark of protest against China`s expansionist policies.As a part of the campaign, they also carry banners saying `let`s use Indian products,` `let`s Boycott China` and `let`s build our nation`.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/india-china-standoff-rajnath-singh-visits-forward-post-near-loc-in-jks-kupwara-314260" hreflang="en">India-China standoff: Rajnath Singh visits forward post near LOC in J&amp;K's Kupwara</a> 
 
Similarly, in the Jammu region people came out in the streets to support the `Boycott China` drive, calling it a great initiative by Prime Minister Narendra Modi."China is a country, which has always cheated and backstabbed us. As per the direction of our government, we need to boycott all Chinese apps and other products. We should buy Make in India products," Pritam Singh, local Corporator in Jammu, told ANI. 
 
Echoing the sentiments, Surinder Mahajan, president of Jammu`s Rughnath Bazaar, said, "Boycott Chinese products is a good campaign. China has always backstabbed us. This country is not for friendship but boycott. All traders in India are boycotting Chinese products. We need to put more restrictions in Chinese products so that it will hurt it economically."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/supreme-court-refuses-to-entertain-plea-against-100-per-cent-domicile-quota-in-jk-313442" hreflang="en">Supreme Court refuses to entertain plea against 100 per cent domicile quota in J&amp;K</a> 
 
"We need to adopt local products and boycott all Chinese items to teach it a lesson," he added.The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), an apex body representing seven crore traders, recently condemned the escalating tensions between the two countries on the border and launched a flagship campaign "Bhartiya Samaan, Hamara Abhimaan" to boycott Chinese goods. 
 
The CAIT issued a list of 500 items to be boycotted from categories like FMCG products, consumer durables, toys, finished fabrics, textiles, builder hardware, footwear and apparel among others.The body has appealed to Indian manufacturers to take full benefit of the boycott movement and make their products known to the world.

People in Jammu and Kashmir have now joined the campaign to `Boycott Chinese products` and adopt `Made in India` products after the Galwan incident last month. In Kashmir, people don `Boycott China` face masks as a mark of protest against China`s expansionist policies.

People in Jammu and Kashmir have now joined the campaign to `Boycott Chinese products` and adopt `Made in India` products after the Galwan incident last month. In Kashmir, people don `Boycott China` face masks as a mark of protest against China`s expansionist policies.As a part of the campaign, they also carry banners saying `let`s use Indian products,` `let`s Boycott China` and `let`s build our nation`. Also read: India-China standoff: Rajnath Singh visits forward post near LOC in J&K's Kupwara Similarly, in the Jammu region people came out in the streets to support the `Boycott China` drive, calling it a great initiative by Prime Minister Narendra Modi."China is a country, which has always cheated and backstabbed us. As per the direction of our government, we need to boycott all Chinese apps and other products. We should buy Make in India products," Pritam Singh, local Corporator in Jammu, told ANI. Echoing the sentiments, Surinder Mahajan, president of Jammu`s Rughnath Bazaar, said, "Boycott Chinese products is a good campaign. China has always backstabbed us. This country is not for friendship but boycott. All traders in India are boycotting Chinese products. We need to put more restrictions in Chinese products so that it will hurt it economically." Also read: Supreme Court refuses to entertain plea against 100 per cent domicile quota in J&K "We need to adopt local products and boycott all Chinese items to teach it a lesson," he added.The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), an apex body representing seven crore traders, recently condemned the escalating tensions between the two countries on the border and launched a flagship campaign "Bhartiya Samaan, Hamara Abhimaan" to boycott Chinese goods. The CAIT issued a list of 500 items to be boycotted from categories like FMCG products, consumer durables, toys, finished fabrics, textiles, builder hardware, footwear and apparel among others.The body has appealed to Indian manufacturers to take full benefit of the boycott movement and make their products known to the world.

J&K joins 'Boycott China' campaign

Internationally, the race to find coronavirus vaccine is turning into a war.&nbsp;

India, on the other hand is secure in its self-knowledge. Whosoever comes up first in this vaccine race, India will be asked for its mass production.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-vaccine-wars-us-accuses-russian-hacker-group-apt29-of-trying-to-steal-data-314092">Coronavirus vaccine wars: US accuses Russian hacker group APT29 of trying to steal data</a>

One out of the three vaccines produced in the world is made in India. This has put India in a special position, but added great responsibility too.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-cadila-aims-to-complete-trial-of-coronavirus-vaccine-by-march-313985">India's Cadila aims to complete trial of coronavirus vaccine by March</a>

Around the world, there are over 140 vaccine candidates and only 11 so far have reached the stage of human trials.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-india-the-worlds-vaccine-producer-314138/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

From India, two candidates have made it to the human trials: Bharat Biotech's Covaxin and Zydus Cadila's ZyCoV-D.&nbsp;

India may or may not win this race, but no vaccine would succeed without India.&nbsp;

This is because discovering a vaccine is only half the battle won, the second, an equally important task is to manufacture them in great numbers.&nbsp;

To make vaccine accessible to all countries, mass production would be required with affordable prices.&nbsp;

And this responsibility rests on India's shoulders.&nbsp;

Every year, India produces three billion doses of vaccine and the cost of production and clinical trials are the lowest in the world.&nbsp;

For instance, the vaccine of rotavirus, a gastro-infection that particularly affects children is made 15 times cheaper by India.&nbsp;

The world's largest vaccine manufacturer, Serum Institute of India, makes more than 1.5 billion doses every year and the vaccines are exported to 170 countries.&nbsp;

The institute's role in eradication of polio must also be highlighted.&nbsp;

If Oxford University's COVID-19 vaccine gets a green signal, the company says, in one year, it can produce 700-800 billion doses.&nbsp;

And that too for 13 dollars, the cheapest in the world.&nbsp;

Bill Gates says only India is the country that can produce the vaccine for the entire world.&nbsp;

In April, even China admitted India's pharmaceutical prowess.&nbsp;

Currently, at least six Indian pharmaceutical companies are working with global institutes, which means no just one, but multiple COVID-19 vaccines could be made in India.&nbsp;

To sum it up, the Wuhan virus vaccine, developed anywhere in the world, it will be made in India.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Internationally, the race to find coronavirus vaccine is turning into a war. India, on the other hand is secure in its self-knowledge. Whosoever comes up first in this vaccine race, India will be asked for its mass production.

Internationally, the race to find coronavirus vaccine is turning into a war. India, on the other hand is secure in its self-knowledge. Whosoever comes up first in this vaccine race, India will be asked for its mass production. Also read | Coronavirus vaccine wars: US accuses Russian hacker group APT29 of trying to steal data One out of the three vaccines produced in the world is made in India. This has put India in a special position, but added great responsibility too. Also read | India's Cadila aims to complete trial of coronavirus vaccine by March Around the world, there are over 140 vaccine candidates and only 11 so far have reached the stage of human trials. From India, two candidates have made it to the human trials: Bharat Biotech's Covaxin and Zydus Cadila's ZyCoV-D. India may or may not win this race, but no vaccine would succeed without India. This is because discovering a vaccine is only half the battle won, the second, an equally important task is to manufacture them in great numbers. To make vaccine accessible to all countries, mass production would be required with affordable prices. And this responsibility rests on India's shoulders. Every year, India produces three billion doses of vaccine and the cost of production and clinical trials are the lowest in the world. For instance, the vaccine of rotavirus, a gastro-infection that particularly affects children is made 15 times cheaper by India. The world's largest vaccine manufacturer, Serum Institute of India, makes more than 1.5 billion doses every year and the vaccines are exported to 170 countries. The institute's role in eradication of polio must also be highlighted. If Oxford University's COVID-19 vaccine gets a green signal, the company says, in one year, it can produce 700-800 billion doses. And that too for 13 dollars, the cheapest in the world. Bill Gates says only India is the country that can produce the vaccine for the entire world. In April, even China admitted India's pharmaceutical prowess. Currently, at least six Indian pharmaceutical companies are working with global institutes, which means no just one, but multiple COVID-19 vaccines could be made in India. To sum it up, the Wuhan virus vaccine, developed anywhere in the world, it will be made in India.

As global vaccine race intensifies, India has a crucial responsibility

Districts in Madhya Pradesh may be the most vulnerable to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by those in Bihar and Telangana, according to a study in The Lancet journal which assessed several key indicators like housing, hygiene, and the health system in these states.

Lancet Study: 9 Indian states more vulnerable to pandemic COVID-19

India and the US are working together on combating the coronavirus and collaboration is underway for co-development of a COVID-19 vaccine and a partnership between the two countries in health, life sciences and technology sectors can bring benefits to the entire world, the Indian envoy here has said.

During a virtual interaction with the eminent members of the Indian-American community from the Mid-Western parts of the US, India's Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu said, "During the pandemic, India and the United States have been collaborating closely. Our network of scientific institutions, in India and the United States, are in touch with each other, on a real-time basis."

The deadly coronavirus that first emerged in China's Wuhan city has drastically spread around the world, infecting 13,767,548 people and causing 589,192 deaths, according to the Johns Hopkins coronavirus tracker.

"Our pharmaceutical companies are working closely together, for co-development of a vaccine. There are at least three, such collaborations. Gilead has entered into an agreement, with seven Indian pharmaceutical companies, to manufacture and distribute Remdesivir, which has been authorised for treating COVID-19," he said.

India has been a reliable partner, during the crisis, and stepped up to supply medicines, and equipment, to over 150 countries including the United States, he said.

Closer cooperation in health, life sciences, technology, will be the way forward, he said, adding that the partnership between India and the United States can bring benefits to the entire world.

Noting that the pandemic has created a new normal, he said an early lockdown helped India delay the spread of the virus. Restrictions have now largely been lifted in the country. Except for containment zones, where the number of active cases are still high. Economic activity is coming back to normal in other parts.

The recovery rate in the country which is over 65 per cent is high and a low death rate.

"We have put in a system to face the pandemic and are well-prepared to deal with the situation," he told the members of the Indian American community.

During the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the Indian Ambassador has been regularly having virtual meetings with different sections of the Indian American community. This was his sixth such interaction.

Last week, he had virtual interaction with members of the Sikh Americans. These interactions are in addition to the various virtual meetings he had with various business and professional groups and think tanks during this pandemic.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government has taken historic decisions, to address the long-standing issues, he said.

"As a democracy, our commitment to the welfare of our people, "sabka saath sabka vikas sabka vishwas' remains central to our governance. Prime Minister Modi has given the call for, Aatma Nirbhar Bharat," he said.

"We want to build a self-reliant India and one that is integrated to the global economy. We want to seize opportunities to become part of the global value chain," Sandhu said.

As the oldest and largest democracies in the world, India and US are natural allies, he said asserting the relationship has enjoyed bipartisan support over the years.

"President of the United States' visit to India in February this year, elevated our relationship to a global comprehensive strategic partnership. This reflects the desire of both countries to work closely together, on a range of areas," Sandhu said.

"The relations between India and the United States are underpinned by the shared values of democracy, freedom of speech, and rule of law. The India-US relationship has also enjoyed bipartisan support over the years. The Indian diaspora has played an important role, of projecting a positive image of India, as a vibrant, democratic, and pluralistic society and a valuable partner, for the United States," said the Indian Ambassador.

India and the US are working together on combating the coronavirus and collaboration is underway for co-development of a COVID-19 vaccine and a partnership between the two countries in health, life sciences and technology sectors can bring benefits to the entire world, the Indian envoy here has said.

India and the US are working together on combating the coronavirus and collaboration is underway for co-development of a COVID-19 vaccine and a partnership between the two countries in health, life sciences and technology sectors can bring benefits to the entire world, the Indian envoy here has said. During a virtual interaction with the eminent members of the Indian-American community from the Mid-Western parts of the US, India's Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu said, "During the pandemic, India and the United States have been collaborating closely. Our network of scientific institutions, in India and the United States, are in touch with each other, on a real-time basis." The deadly coronavirus that first emerged in China's Wuhan city has drastically spread around the world, infecting 13,767,548 people and causing 589,192 deaths, according to the Johns Hopkins coronavirus tracker. "Our pharmaceutical companies are working closely together, for co-development of a vaccine. There are at least three, such collaborations. Gilead has entered into an agreement, with seven Indian pharmaceutical companies, to manufacture and distribute Remdesivir, which has been authorised for treating COVID-19," he said. India has been a reliable partner, during the crisis, and stepped up to supply medicines, and equipment, to over 150 countries including the United States, he said. Closer cooperation in health, life sciences, technology, will be the way forward, he said, adding that the partnership between India and the United States can bring benefits to the entire world. Noting that the pandemic has created a new normal, he said an early lockdown helped India delay the spread of the virus. Restrictions have now largely been lifted in the country. Except for containment zones, where the number of active cases are still high. Economic activity is coming back to normal in other parts. The recovery rate in the country which is over 65 per cent is high and a low death rate. "We have put in a system to face the pandemic and are well-prepared to deal with the situation," he told the members of the Indian American community. During the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the Indian Ambassador has been regularly having virtual meetings with different sections of the Indian American community. This was his sixth such interaction. Last week, he had virtual interaction with members of the Sikh Americans. These interactions are in addition to the various virtual meetings he had with various business and professional groups and think tanks during this pandemic. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government has taken historic decisions, to address the long-standing issues, he said. "As a democracy, our commitment to the welfare of our people, "sabka saath sabka vikas sabka vishwas' remains central to our governance. Prime Minister Modi has given the call for, Aatma Nirbhar Bharat," he said. "We want to build a self-reliant India and one that is integrated to the global economy. We want to seize opportunities to become part of the global value chain," Sandhu said. As the oldest and largest democracies in the world, India and US are natural allies, he said asserting the relationship has enjoyed bipartisan support over the years. "President of the United States' visit to India in February this year, elevated our relationship to a global comprehensive strategic partnership. This reflects the desire of both countries to work closely together, on a range of areas," Sandhu said. "The relations between India and the United States are underpinned by the shared values of democracy, freedom of speech, and rule of law. The India-US relationship has also enjoyed bipartisan support over the years. The Indian diaspora has played an important role, of projecting a positive image of India, as a vibrant, democratic, and pluralistic society and a valuable partner, for the United States," said the Indian Ambassador.

India, US collaborating closely during COVID-19 pandemic: Ambassador Sandhu

India is not a weak country and no power in the world can touch even an inch of its land, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday as he visited Ladakh to carry out a comprehensive review of the security scenario in the wake of the border standoff with China.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addresses troops at Lukung, Ladakh

China has been acting in contradiction to its agreements with India to change the status quo and challenge Indian troops at the border, an influential bipartisan Congressional Caucus has said and hoped that Beijing will scale back on their excessive weaponry and infrastructure at the Line of Actual Control.

The Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans on Thursday also expressed their condolences for the lives lost in the Galwan Valley.

The troops of India and China are locked in an over eight-week standoff in several areas in eastern Ladakh including Pangong Tso, Galwan Valley and Gogra Hot Spring since May 5. The situation deteriorated last month following the Galwan Valley clashes that left 20 Indian Army personnel dead.

"As members of the Caucus on India and Indian Americans, we are extremely disappointed by the events that took place at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Galwan Valley area on June 15," congressmen George Holding and Brad Sherman, co-chairmen of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans said in a statement on Thursday.

The House of Representatives Caucus on India and Indian Americans, led by congressmen Holding and Sherman in a letter to India's Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, said that over the last few months, the Chinese authorities have been acting with impunity and have attempted to transgress on the LAC, which resulted in diplomatic discussions to implement a process for de-escalation along the LAC on June 6.

The letter was signed by seven other lawmakers.

"Only nine days after the agreement, the Chinese attempted to build new infrastructure on the Indian side of the LAC, the letter said.

"Dissatisfied with your government's response, the Chinese troops disregarded the recently implemented disengagement process and erupted in premeditated violence, which resulted in the death of 20 Indian soldiers," it said.

The bipartisan letter was signed by four members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, two members of the House Armed Services Committee and one each from the House intelligence, judiciary and agricultural committees.

"We offer our condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, and we will keep them in our thoughts and prayers. We are disappointed that China has been acting in contradiction to their agreements with India, in their attempt to change the status quo and challenge Indian troops at the border," the letter said.

"It is my hope that they scale back on their excessive weaponry and infrastructure at the Line of Actual Control and uphold both their longstanding and new-founded agreements with India," said the letter.

The letter among others was signed by congressmen Ro Khanna, Joe Wilson, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Steve Chabot, Pramila Jayapal, Ted Yoho and T J Cox.

Over the last few weeks, bipartisan support for India against China has been increasing.

A day earlier, Senator Bob Menendez, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said US-India partnership, based on their shared commitment to democracy, is vital to uphold international law, international norms and the institutions that can peacefully and diplomatically resolve disputes and aggression.

"As India and China work to disengage along the Line of Actual Control, I remain deeply concerned by China's aggressive behaviour in territorial disputes," Menendez said.

"From the 2017 Doklam standoff to the recent violence along the borders in Sikkim and Ladakh, to China's new claims to Bhutanese territory, Beijing has all too often sought to redraw the map of Asia without regard for its neighbours," he said.

Last month, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said that for the sake of grabbing territory, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) appears to have instigated the most violent clash between China and India since those nations went to war in 1962.

"I am extremely concerned by the ongoing Chinese aggression along the Line of Actual Control on the India-China border," said congressman Eliot Engel, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs last month.

"China is demonstrating once again that it is willing to bully its neighbours rather than resolve conflicts according to international law," Engel said.

Top Republican Senator Marco Rubio also called recently India's Ambassador to the US to express his solidarity with the people of India as they firmly confront unwarranted and lawless armed aggression by the Communist Party of China.

"India has made it clear, they will not be bullied by Beijing," he said.

Senator Tom Cotton slammed China of its aggression against India.

China has been acting in contradiction to its agreements with India to change the status quo and challenge Indian troops at the border, an influential bipartisan Congressional Caucus has said and hoped that Beijing will scale back on their excessive weaponry and infrastructure at the Line of Actual Control.

China has been acting in contradiction to its agreements with India to change the status quo and challenge Indian troops at the border, an influential bipartisan Congressional Caucus has said and hoped that Beijing will scale back on their excessive weaponry and infrastructure at the Line of Actual Control. The Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans on Thursday also expressed their condolences for the lives lost in the Galwan Valley. The troops of India and China are locked in an over eight-week standoff in several areas in eastern Ladakh including Pangong Tso, Galwan Valley and Gogra Hot Spring since May 5. The situation deteriorated last month following the Galwan Valley clashes that left 20 Indian Army personnel dead. "As members of the Caucus on India and Indian Americans, we are extremely disappointed by the events that took place at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Galwan Valley area on June 15," congressmen George Holding and Brad Sherman, co-chairmen of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans said in a statement on Thursday. The House of Representatives Caucus on India and Indian Americans, led by congressmen Holding and Sherman in a letter to India's Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, said that over the last few months, the Chinese authorities have been acting with impunity and have attempted to transgress on the LAC, which resulted in diplomatic discussions to implement a process for de-escalation along the LAC on June 6. The letter was signed by seven other lawmakers. "Only nine days after the agreement, the Chinese attempted to build new infrastructure on the Indian side of the LAC, the letter said. "Dissatisfied with your government's response, the Chinese troops disregarded the recently implemented disengagement process and erupted in premeditated violence, which resulted in the death of 20 Indian soldiers," it said. The bipartisan letter was signed by four members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, two members of the House Armed Services Committee and one each from the House intelligence, judiciary and agricultural committees. "We offer our condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, and we will keep them in our thoughts and prayers. We are disappointed that China has been acting in contradiction to their agreements with India, in their attempt to change the status quo and challenge Indian troops at the border," the letter said. "It is my hope that they scale back on their excessive weaponry and infrastructure at the Line of Actual Control and uphold both their longstanding and new-founded agreements with India," said the letter. The letter among others was signed by congressmen Ro Khanna, Joe Wilson, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Steve Chabot, Pramila Jayapal, Ted Yoho and T J Cox. Over the last few weeks, bipartisan support for India against China has been increasing. A day earlier, Senator Bob Menendez, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said US-India partnership, based on their shared commitment to democracy, is vital to uphold international law, international norms and the institutions that can peacefully and diplomatically resolve disputes and aggression. "As India and China work to disengage along the Line of Actual Control, I remain deeply concerned by China's aggressive behaviour in territorial disputes," Menendez said. "From the 2017 Doklam standoff to the recent violence along the borders in Sikkim and Ladakh, to China's new claims to Bhutanese territory, Beijing has all too often sought to redraw the map of Asia without regard for its neighbours," he said. Last month, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said that for the sake of grabbing territory, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) appears to have instigated the most violent clash between China and India since those nations went to war in 1962. "I am extremely concerned by the ongoing Chinese aggression along the Line of Actual Control on the India-China border," said congressman Eliot Engel, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs last month. "China is demonstrating once again that it is willing to bully its neighbours rather than resolve conflicts according to international law," Engel said. Top Republican Senator Marco Rubio also called recently India's Ambassador to the US to express his solidarity with the people of India as they firmly confront unwarranted and lawless armed aggression by the Communist Party of China. "India has made it clear, they will not be bullied by Beijing," he said. Senator Tom Cotton slammed China of its aggression against India.

China acting in contradiction to its agreements with India: US congressmen

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