August 15, 2020: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that three vaccines against coronavirus are in the testing stage in the country and it is geared up for mass production once there is a green signal from scientists. Addressing the nation on 74th Independence Day from ramparts of Red Fort, the Prime Minister also talked about the steps taken to increase the number of labs and production of protective equipment to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

He said scientists were working hard for the production of the vaccine. "Today in India, not one, or two but three vaccines are in the stage of testing. As soon as there is a green signal from scientists, the country is prepared to produce it in large numbers," he said. He said when coronavirus broke out, there was only one testing lab in the country and the number has now gone up to 1,400. He said that 130 crore Indians took the pledge to make the country self-reliant amid the challenges posed by the pandemic. "Amid COVID19 pandemic 130 crore Indians took the resolve to be self-reliant and Aatmanirbhar Bharat' is on the mind of Indians. This dream is turning into a pledge. Aatmanirbhar Bharat has become a mantra for the 130 crore Indians today," he said.

PM Modi said that a few months back, India used to import N-95 masks, PPE kits and ventilators but is now extending help to other countries. He also hailed people in the frontline of the battle against coronavirus, saying "corona warriors have lived the mantra of 'Seva Parmo Dharma' and served the people of the country. "Congratulations and best wishes to all the countrymen on this festival of Independence Day. The sacrifice and the resolve to free the country of lakhs of sons and daughters of Maa Bharati is the reason for us being able to breathe in independent India today. This is a day to remember the sacrifices of our freedom fighters. This is also a day to show gratitude to security personnel including that of Army, paramilitary and police ensuring our safety," PM Modi said. He referred to the restrictions due to COVID-19 and said that children, the future of the country, were not at present at the celebrations and recalled the tireless contributions of corona warriors.