US President Donald Trump has warned India of retaliation if it refuses the export of the anti-malarial drug Hydroxychloroquine, which is seen as a potential solution to treat COVID-19 patients.
India has banned the export of Hydroxychloroquine
A few days ago, Donald Trump had sought PM Modi’s help in fulfilling the US’s order of Hydroxychloroquine tablets, hours after India had banned the sale of the drug. India’s decision to ban the sale of the tablets came in the wake of rising COVID-19 patients in the country and also to take stock of the domestic requirements. India also has requests from the neighboring countries of Sri Lanka and Nepal for the drug.
Trump sees this drug as a potential solution to cure COVID-19 patients
With over 10000 deaths and 3.6 Lakh infections, COVID-19 is creating havoc in the United States. Also, with no vaccine in place, Trump has relied on this drug to help the citizens of his country.
Hence, in the recent statement, Trump warned India of retaliation if PM Modi does not permit the sale of the drug. He said:
“So, I would be surprised if that were his decision. He’d have to tell me that. I spoke to him Sunday morning, called him, and I said we’d appreciate your allowing our supply to come out. If he doesn’t allow it to come out, that would be okay, but of course, there may be retaliation. Why wouldn’t there be?“
He further added:
“I would be surprised if he would, you know because India does very well with the United States.”
