PM Narendra Modi called for following a ‘one earth, one health’ approach to effectively deal with the coronavirus pandemic globally, and sought the support of the G7 grouping to lift patent protections for COVID-19 vaccines, during a virtual address at an outreach session of a summit of the bloc.

Calling for global unity, leadership, and solidarity to prevent future pandemics, Modi also emphasized the special responsibility of democratic and transparent societies to deal with the challenge, according to an official statement.

Sources said Modi’s call for adopting a “one earth, one health” approach received support from German Chancellor Angela Merkel. They said Australia and several other countries came out in strong support of Modi’s call to waive patents on coronavirus vaccines to boost their production. India and South Africa have come out with the proposal at the World Trade Organisation.

The prime minister, speaking at the G7 outreach session titled ‘Building Back Stronger – Health’, also highlighted India’s ‘whole of society’ approach to fight the pandemic, while synergizing the efforts of all levels of the government, industry and civil society.