India for more studies to trace Covid origin

NEW DELHI: In a significant statement that comes even as the border face-off with China remains unresolved, India called for further studies to determine the origin of the coronavirus causing Covid-19, days after US president Joe Biden gave his intelligence officials 90 days to probe the ‘lab-leak’ theory, much to the annoyance of Beijing.
China has angrily rebutted suggestions that the Covid pathogen escaped from a Wuhan lab but the theory has refused to die down.
The Indian move will not go down well with China which has been suggesting that the border tensions be seen as only a part of the overall relationship.
The decision is another indication that India is not willing to consider normalising of ties as long as the border tensions in Ladakh remain unresolved. The stagnation in the de-induction at friction points is read as China looking for some “gains” or a “face-saver” after the mutual withdrawals at Pangong Tso.
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.