India seeks next phase of studies on Covid origin

Sandeep Dikshit
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, May 28

India has termed the global study on the origin of Covid convened by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as “an important first step” and said the next phase of studies should begin in order to reach robust conclusions.

The stand mirrors that of the US which has also called for international experts to be allowed to evaluate the source of the coronavirus and the early days of the outbreak in a second phase of the WHO’s investigation.

“The WHO convened global study on Covid origin 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,” said a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs.