India has agreed to allow exports of the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine after US President Donald Trump urged New Delhi to release supplies of the drug, according to the Indian foreign ministry.
India had earlier put a hold on exports of hydroxychloroquine as well as on the pain reliever, paracetamol, citing high internal demand.
But Trump spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and hinted that India may face retaliation.
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Speaking during a daily briefing at the White House, Trump said: “I don’t like that decision [to not export the drug]. I didn’t hear that was his [Modi’s] decision.”
“I spoke to him […] we had a very good talk. India does very well with the United States, for many years they have been taking advantage of the US on trade. So I would be surprised if that were his decision,” Trump said. “If he [Modi] doesn’t allow the supply to come out, that would be okay, but of course there may be retaliation, why wouldn’t there be?”
Indian foreign ministry spokesman, Anurag Srivastava said, “It has been decided that India would license paracetamol and hydroxychloroquine in appropriate quantities to all our neighbouring countries who are dependent on our capabilities,” he said, adding, “We will also be supplying these essential drugs to some nations who have been particularly badly affected by the pandemic.”
