Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday assured all countries that India will help them in this hour of crisis.
In response to US President Donald Trump thanking him for allowing export of the hydroxychloroquine drug to his country, the Prime Minister said, “Times like these bring friends closer. The India-US Partnership is stronger than ever. India shall do everything possible to help humanity”.
Thanking India and Modi, the US President said India's help during this crisis will not be forgotten. "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 Prime Minister @NarendraModi for your strong leadership in helping not just India, but humanity, in this fight!" Trump tweeted on Wednesday. He later described PM Modi as "terrific" for allowing the export of the key drug.
Trump had earlier said the US too would retaliate if India continues with its export ban.
Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro also thanked India and Modi for allowing the export of the life-saving drug being used to treat Covid-19 patients.
In his address to his nation on Wednesday, Bolsonaro thanked Modi and the people of India for the "timely help to the people of Brazil." He said: "We have more good news. As an outcome of my direct conversation with Prime Minister of India, we will receive, by Saturday, raw materials to continue production of hydroxychloroquine so we can treat patients of COVID-19 as well as of lupus, malaria, and arthritis. I thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India for such timely help to the people of Brazil."
Earlier, while making the request for freeing up the ban on the drug, the Barzilian President had also referred to epic Ramayana. “Just as Lord Hanuman brought the holy medicine (Sanjeevani) from the Himalayas to save the life of Lord Rama's brother Lakshmana..." his letter said.
He has been criticised by some for downplaying the severity of the COVID-19 outbreak and has sometimes referred to the virus as a "little flu". His country now has more than 15,000 cases and 127 deaths.
India is one of the biggest producers of this anti-malaria drug and more than 30 countries including the US were urging New Delhi to ease the restrictions imposed on March 25 on its export.
The US's Food and Drug Administration has identitified this drug as a treatment option against the COVID-19 virus.
Bolsonaro, who was the chief guest for India's Republic Day celebrations this year, January, spoke to Modi last week to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic. The Prime Minister assured all possible support to the people of Brazil.
India manufactures around 70 per cent (approximately 20 crore tablets of 200 mg each) of the world's supply and, on March 25, banned export until domestic reserves are considered sufficient.
The ban was lifted with the Indian government saying it will allow the export "in view of the humanitarian aspects of the pandemic". Trump responded on Wednesday: "Thank you India and the Indian people... Will not be forgotten".
The United States is now the epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic with nearly four lakh active cases and nearly 15,000 deaths. Trump in the last few days has claimed that hydrooxychloroqunine will be the “game changer” in fighting the pandemic.