After US and Brazil, UK thanks Modi for drug supply

The UK has thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allowing supply of paracetamol to the crisis-struck country.

Acting British High Commissioner to India Jan Thompson tweeted: "Thank you @narendramodi and the Government of India for approving the export of paracetamol to the UK. Global cooperation is critical in the fight against #COVID19. UK and India have a track record of working together as a #ForceforGood tackling global challenges."

On Sunday, Thompson had expressed “solidarity with India’s against this unprecedented global pandemic”, adding that the UK and India had a “strong record of collaboration on research and innovation to address global challenges”

The diplomat also posted a pic of her with a lit candle to honour Modi’s “9PM9Minutes” call.

“We are all in this together and together we are stronger,” she said.

On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump had thanked India for lifting a ban on supply of antimalarial drug hydrochloroquine to the US.

He tweeted: “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!”

Later, he told White House reporters: “I want to thank Prime Minister Modi of India for allowing us to have what we requested… and he was terrific. We will remember it.”

Modi tweeted in reply “We shall win this together,” said the Indian prime minister, responding to a tweet by Trump. “Fully agree with you President @realDonaldTrump. Times like these bring friends closer,” he said, adding that the India-US partnership was “stronger than ever”.

“India shall do everything possible to help humanity’s fight against COVID-19,” the prime minster said.

At a news conference, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro 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 our production of Hydroxychloroquine so that 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."

In a letter to Modi, Bolsonaro had invoked the Ramayan, mentioning the story of how Lord Hanuman brought holy medicine from the Himalayas to save the Lakshman's life.

India, a leading supplier of generic drugs, has relaxed the ban on the export of 24 pharma ingredients and drugs due massive global demand.