After Trump, Brazil’s Bolsonaro thanks Modi for the supply of hydroxychloroquine
After Trump, Brazil’s Bolsonaro thanks Modi for the supply of hydroxychloroquine
NEW DELHI: Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro thanked India for the “timely assistance” in releasing ingredients for the anti-malarial drug. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), seen as useful in the treatment of COVID-19.
“As a result of my direct conversation with the Prime Minister of India. We’ll receive, until Saturday, the staple to continue producing hydroxychloroquine, in order that we will treat COVID-19 patients. Also as malaria, lupus, and arthritis.” Bolsonaro said addressing the nation on Wednesday.
“I thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi and therefore the Indian people for this very timely assistance to the Brazilian people.”
Brazil has the highest number of COVID-19 cases in South America with more than 14,000 infections and almost 700 deaths.
Bolsonaro was one of the leaders Prime Minister Modi spoke to over the weekend in his continuing interaction with world leaders since the outbreak of the pandemic. During his conversation, Bolsonaro had put forth his request to Modi to release the ingredients for HCQ that India had placed a ban on.
In a letter following his phone conversation with Modi. Bolsonaro invoked the Ramayan, comparing HCQ to the Sanjeevani booti (herb) in the epic.
India is the largest manufacturer and exporter of hydroxychloroquine in the world. But on Saturday, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) had banned exports of HCQ. And its ingredients, given the rapid rise in cases of COVID-19 in India.
On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump thanked PM Modi. And the people of India for lifting curbs on the export of hydroxychloroquine.
“Extraordinary times require even closer cooperation between friends. Thank you, India, and therefore the Indian people for the choice on HCQ. It Will not be forgotten! Thank you Prime Minister @NarendraModi for your strong leadership in helping not just India, but humanity, during this fight!” Trump tweeted on Wednesday.
