India's foreign minister has rejected comments made by US President Joe Biden, in which he referred to the country's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic as 'xenophobic.'
The remarks were made during a conversation between Biden and a group of Democratic lawmakers, where he criticized India's response to the pandemic and suggested that the country was engaging in 'xenophobia.'
In response, India's foreign minister issued a statement expressing disappointment with Biden's comments and emphasizing the country's efforts to combat the spread of the virus.
The foreign minister highlighted India's role in producing and distributing vaccines globally, as well as the country's cooperation with other nations in fighting the pandemic.
India has faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 crisis, with a surge in cases overwhelming the healthcare system and leading to a high number of deaths.
Despite these challenges, India has made progress in vaccinating its population and has been working to provide assistance to other countries in need.
The diplomatic exchange between the US and India underscores the complexities of international relations during a global health crisis, as countries navigate the challenges of responding to the pandemic while also addressing political and diplomatic concerns.