Trump calls Modi for Hydroxychloroquine

India has already banned export of hydroxychloroquine

Washington, April 5: President Donald Trump has sought help from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to allow the sale of hydroxychloroquine tablets ordered by the US to treat the growing number of Covid19 patients in his country, hours after India banned the export of the anti-malarial drug.

Trump said he spoke to Modi on Saturday morning and made a request to release hydroxychloroquine — an old and inexpensive drug used to treat malaria — for the US. “I called Prime Minister Modi of India this morning. They make large amounts of Hydroxychloroquine. India is giving it a serious consideration,” he said.

India’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade on April 4 banned the export of hydroxychloroquine and its formulations and made it clear that there will be no exceptions. Trump said he would appreciate if India releases the amount ordered by US.

On supply chains

The two leaders have agreed to ensure smooth functioning of the global supply chains for critical pharmaceuticals and medical goods to fight the Covid-19 pandemic and discussed the significance of yoga and ayurveda for the physical and mental well-being of people during the major global health crisis. A White House readout

of the call between the two leaders said on Saturday that the US President spoke with Prime Minister to discuss how the two countries can work together to fight the virus.

“The two leaders agreed to remain in touch on the issue of global supply chains for critical pharmaceuticals and medical supplies and to ensure they continue to function as smoothly as possible during the global health crisis,” the White House said.

They also “touched upon the significance of practices such as Yoga and Ayurveda (traditional Indian herbal medicine practice) for ensuring physical and mental wellbeing in these difficult times”, a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office said.