On Monday, in a White House press briefing, American President Donald Trump warned of retaliation if India did not lift its ban on the export of hydroxychloroquine. He said that he would be surprised if Indian authorities refused to export the drug.
On March 25, the Indian government announced a ban on the export of the drug as experts tested its efficacy in helping treat COVID-19 patients. The government, however, clarified that the export would be allowed on a “case to case basis” on humanitarian grounds.
Hydroxychloroquine is an anti-malarial drug, which is allegedly effective in the treatment of COVID-19. Last month, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recommended the use of hydroxychloroquine for treating healthcare workers who were treating confirmed of suspected COVID-19 patients. They also suggest its use for asymptomatic household contacts of confirmed cases.
Last week, the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to permit the emergency use of the drug for COVID-19 patients. While it is yet to be established as an effective cure, President Trump has called the drug a “game-changer”.
Hence, after receiving similar requests from countries like Sri Lanka and Nepal, on Tuesday morning, the center decided to lift the ban and impose restrictions on the drug’s export instead. Anurag Srivastava, the spokesperson for the Indian Foreign Ministry said, “It has been decided that India would license paracetamol and HCQ in appropriate quantities to all our neighboring countries who are dependent on our capabilities. We will also be supplying these essential drugs to some nations who have been particularly badly affected by the pandemic”.
These diplomatic threats and acts of bullying have become characteristic of US foreign policy during the ongoing pandemic. American authorities were previously accused of diverting medical supplies meant for Germany, France, and Canada by outbidding the original buyers. Officials in Berlin said that the US intercepted a shipment from Thailand and accused it of “modern piracy”. The same day, French officials alleged that the US redirected a shipment of medical masks from Shanghai by offering a higher price for the supplies. Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called it a “mistake”.
Image Source: Newsweek
Following Donald Trump’s Threat, India Eases Restrictions on Export of Hydroxychloroquine
Donald Trump warned of retaliation against India if the export ban wasn't lifted
April 7, 2020
