Can Expect Great Things Between India, US: Health Secretary Xavier Becerra On G20 Meet

US Health and Humans Services Secretary Xavier Becerra arrived in India for G20 Health Ministers' Meeting in Gandhinagar on August 18-19.

Xavier Becerra, US Health and Human Services Secretary.

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United States Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra on Thursday arrived in India to participate in the G20 4th Health Working Group and Health Working Group Ministers Meeting. US envoy to India Eric Garcetti tweeted a photograph with him welcoming Becerra to a ‘productive trip’ that will ‘advance the US-India health partnership’. 

"Welcome to India, @HHSgov Secretary Becerra! Here is to a productive trip that will advance the U.S.-India health partnership, fostering greater cooperation and collaboration on joint health initiatives in all health sectors that will benefit both of our nations. #USIndiaHealth," Garcetti said in the tweet. 

Welcome to India, @HHSgov Secretary Becerra! Here is to a productive trip that will advance the U.S.-India health partnership, fostering greater cooperation and collaboration on joint health initiatives in all health sectors that will benefit both of our nations. #USIndiaHealth pic.twitter.com/kytD3g9ZYr

— U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti (@USAmbIndia) August 17, 2023

Meanwhile, Becerra said that the US is ‘thrilled’ with New Delhi’s leadership, adding that India and US can move forward in the direction of universal healthcare and making digital technology available, reported ANI. 

The Heath secretary exuded confidence that India will make a strong effort in its G20 Presidency to move all the member nations with consensus. 

While speaking to ANI, Xavier Becerra said, "Based on the conversation and relationship between Prime Minister Modi and President Biden, I think we can expect great things to happen between India and the US. Obviously, there is G20, and there are 18 more countries. We are very thrilled with the leadership we have seen from India."  

He added, "In trying to move these global affairs forward, especially when it comes to pandemic preparedness…we are thrilled that India is so interested in partnering on cancer research and treatment. We want to make sure that we move forward on universal healthcare, making digital technology available. In so many ways, we are two partners riding in this great effort to help the world." 

The HHS Secretary praised India’s progressive agenda saying that the US is "very supportive" of those efforts as it compliments what Washington DC is trying to accomplish as well. He also hoped that 18 other countries could become willing partners to move forward. 

On the issue of Indo-Pacific and Quad vaccine, he said, "We certainly agree that there needs to be a mechanism to make sure that no one in the world, whoever region they are in, goes without. I know when it comes to pushing forward an agenda that lets us work cooperatively, that is one of the principal goals that India has during its leadership of the G20."  

"We want to be supportive of that. There is no doubt, that there would be challenges, in some places we won’t have a full agreement. But I believe India is going to make a strong effort in the G20 to move us all with consensus. We are very supportive of those efforts. Because, you cannot have disruptions in that level of cooperation, because then you will have disruptions in the supply chain," he was quoted as saying by ANI. 

Becerra also addressed the growing partnership between India and US. He said that strengthening the partnership between two regional and global leaders would also bring about better connectivity among other countries across the globe.  

"What we think is going to happen at the G20 is further building momentum towards working together. Some like India, and the US have more capacity than others, but I think we are all willing to try to share to make sure that we bring everyone on board," he said.  

US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra will travel to Gandhinagar, India to participate in the G20 Health Ministers’ meeting and bilateral meetings on August 18-19. 

According to an official statement by the Department of Health and Human Services, "While at the G20 Health Ministers’ Meeting, Secretary Becerra will advance the United States' priorities of increasing our mutual prosperity, advancing democracy and human rights, addressing the climate crisis, and upholding a rules-based order grounded in international law." 

In India, Secretary Becerra will emphasize that the partnership with India is one of our nation's most consequential relationships, and the U.S. and India partnership brings health benefits to the region and the world. 

Bacerra will attend the G20 Health Working Group and Health Working Group Ministers Meeting on August 18 in Gandhinagar where he will advance the United States' priorities of "increasing our mutual prosperity, advancing democracy and human rights, addressing the climate crisis, and upholding a rules-based order grounded in international law".  

During his two-day visit to India from August 18-19, the HHS Secretary will, on Friday, hold a bilateral meeting with Indian ministers. On August 19, Secretary Becerra will hold a bilateral meeting with Brazil to discuss opportunities for US-Brazil health cooperation and Brazil’s 2024 G20 priorities as host.