NEW DELHI, May 15 (Xinhua) -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bill Gates have discussed on the COVID-19 situation and the importance of global coordination to combat the pandemic.

The two interacted late Thursday through video conference, discussing the importance of global coordination on scientific innovation, research and development to combat the pandemic, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office.

"Prime minister underlined the conscious approach that India has adopted in its fight against the health crisis, an approach based on ensuring public engagement through appropriate messaging," it said.

"He explained how this people-centric bottom-up approach has helped win acceptability for physical distancing, respect for front-line workers, wearing of masks, maintaining proper hygiene, and respecting lockdown provisions."

Modi appreciated the health-related work being done by the Gates Foundation not only in India but also in other parts of the world, including its coordination in global response to COVID-19. The prime minister sought suggestions from Gates on how India's capacities and capabilities could be better leveraged for the general benefit of the world.

"Prime minister also suggested that the Gates Foundation could take the lead in analysing the necessary changes in lifestyles, economic organization, social behavior, modes of disseminating education and healthcare, that would emerge in the post-COVID world, and the associated technological challenges that would need to be addressed," the statement said.

Modi said India would be happy to contribute to such an analytical exercise, based on its own experiences.

Gates took to Twitter to thank Modi following the interaction.

"Thank you for the conversation and partnership, Narendra Modi. Combating the pandemic requires global collaboration. India's role is key as the world works to minimize social and economic impact, and pave the way to vaccine, testing, and treatment access for all," Gates wrote on Twitter.

Meanwhile, India's federal health ministry said the number of COVID-19 cases in the country rose to 81,970 including 2,649 deaths on Friday. Enditem

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