Russia lauds India’s help in wake of Covid-19 pandemic
Maria Zakharova called New Delhi’s support to Russia in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic a “visible confirmation of the friendly ties as well as of the special and privileged strategic partnership between our countries”.
By IAR Desk
India has extended a hand to its old friend Russia in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova lauded India’s help to the country as it helped in the repatriation of two thousand Russian citizens.
“We are grateful to the Indian side for facilitating the repatriation of Russians amidst the spread of the new #coronavirus infection,” she said, calling New Delhi’s support a “visible confirmation of the friendly ties as well as of the special and privileged strategic partnership between our countries”.
She expressed understanding of the difficulties circumstances under which such reptration could take place. India has been under a nation wide lockdown since 23 March.
“We understand that intrinsic difficulties related to evacuation arise due to stern measures restricting the movements between the states of India and within, which were introduced by the national Government to counter the pandemic and limit its negative outcome,” Zakharova said.
She also expressed her country’s appreciation and gratitude for the supplies of Covid-19 related drugs that India has committed to supply Russia.
“We also thank the leadership of India for consent to ship a large consignment of medications to counter #COVID19, including hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol. We count on continuation of the constructive cooperation with the Indian side in this area at this difficult time for the whole world.”
The anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine has emerged one of the most popular drugs in the treatment of Covid-19 cases with a growing demand for it across the world. India is the largest producer of the drug and has committed to supplying 53 countries with the drug in spite of huge demand for it domestically.
Last week the Russian Ambassador to India Mr. Nikolai Kudashyev had called India’s gesture to supply the much wanted drug to Russia as ‘nobel’.
“The generous decision of the govt of India to lift the ban on the export of important medicines to treat COVID-19 patients despite the increased demand in this country was very much appreciated in Russia. Be sure, it will be reciprocated. In our understanding, the conducive atmosphere for this noble decision was created during earlier contact of our leaders, President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi followed by conversation and contact between top diplomats,” the envoy told a news channel in New Delhi.
