Trump on export of anti-malaria drug to fight coronavirus: Thank you PM Modi, India

The United States is fighting a severe outbreak of coronavirus. Anti-malaria drug Hydroxychloroquine is experimentally being used in the treatment of coronavirus patients. India had put a ban on the export of the anti-malaria drug, in case there is a sudden spike in coronavirus cases in India requiring a large number of tablets to treat the patients. But now India has decided to relax the ban on the export of this drug. 

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (local time) thanked India for its decision to export the hydroxychloroquine to fight coronavirus and lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his "strong leadership" in helping "not just India, but humanity" in this fight.

"Extraordinary times require even closer cooperation between friends. Thank you India and the Indian people for the decision on HCQ. Will not be forgotten! Thank you PM Modi for your strong leadership in helping not just India, but humanity, in this fight!" the US President tweeted.

Earlier on Monday, Trump had hinted at a possible "retaliation" if India does not lift its hold on the export of the anti-malaria drug that is experimentally being used in the treatment of coronavirus patients.

Trump had on Saturday said that he has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to supply Hydroxychloroquine tablets that can be used to treat COVID-19 patients.

The Indian government on Wednesday assured that there will be no shortage of hydroxychloroquine in India.

"It has been ensured that not only today, even in the future, there will not be any lack of HCQ (hydroxychloroquine) as and when needed," Union Health Ministry Joint Secretary Lav Aggarwal said at a press briefing in New Delhi.

The government had on Tuesday eased restrictions on the export of hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol.

--With ANI inputs--

Also read: Coronavirus: Donald Trump warns India of retaliation over its decision to ban export of hydroxychloroquine