Key Takeaways
- US President Donald Trump spoke with PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday, as confirmed by the US Ambassador.
- India, the world’s largest producer, has lifted its ban on exporting hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol.
- The call followed Trump’s public request for the drug, hinting at potential “retaliation” if not supplied.
US President Donald Trump held a crucial phone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, focusing on the supply of a key anti-malarial drug seen as a potential COVID-19 treatment.
The discussion, confirmed by US Ambassador to India Kenneth I Juster, comes amid a global scramble for hydroxychloroquine.
“President Trump just spoke with Prime Minister Modi. STAY TUNED…,” Juster tweeted.
Trump’s Public Request and ‘Retaliation’ Hint
A day before the call, President Trump revealed he had a “very good conversation” with PM Modi about the drug supply. He publicly detailed his request and its high stakes.
On Monday, Trump said, “I spoke to Prime Minister Modi yesterday (Sunday), a very good conversation… I said we’d appreciate you allowing our supply (of hydroxychloroquine) to come out. If he doesn’t allow it to come out, that would be okay, but of course, there may be retaliation. Why wouldn’t there be?”
India’s Export Ban and Swift Reversal
India, the world’s largest producer of hydroxychloroquine, had initially banned its export on Saturday to secure domestic supplies during the pandemic.
However, in a significant move on Tuesday, the Indian government decided to lift the ban on the export of hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol and their formulations.
Trump noted on Monday that India was giving the US request “serious consideration”.
Hydroxychloroquine as a COVID-19 Treatment
President Trump has been a strong advocate for using chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine as potential therapies for COVID-19, despite ongoing medical evaluation.
The US is seeking the drug to treat its growing number of coronavirus patients. Meanwhile, India’s own COVID-19 situation continues to evolve.
According to the Union Health Ministry, India has reported 4,789 confirmed coronavirus cases and 124 deaths so far.
