NEW DELHI, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has given nod to the Serum Institute of India (SII) to conduct phase 2 and 3 human clinical trials of COVID-19 vaccine developed by Oxford University, officials said Monday.

"The DCGI has given approval to SII, Pune to conduct Phase II and III clinical trials of Oxford University-Astra Zeneca COVID-19 vaccine (COVISHIELD) in India. This will hasten the development of the COVID-19 vaccine," a statement issued by country's federal health ministry said.

The approval was granted after a thorough evaluation based on the recommendations of the subject expert committee on COVID-19.

Human trials for developing an indigenous vaccine against COVID-19 are going on in full swing in India.

Other than SII, two companies -- Bharat Biotech and Zydus Cadila -- are currently carrying out human trials.

Bharat Biotech and Zydus were granted permission for Phase I and II clinical trials last month.

India Monday said the number of COVID-19 cases in the country have reached 1,803,695 including 38,135 deaths.

Globally India is the third worst-hit country due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Enditem

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