New Delhi’s own 'health' Silk Road

India, a major producer of generic drugs, has started donating medical supplies to Bhutan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Nepal, Myanmar, Seychelles, Mauritius and some African countries. It plans to export anti-COVID-19 drugs to the United States, United Kingdom, Brazil, Spain, Germany, and Italy. So far, 5,734 cases have been reported in the country with 166 deaths.

New Delhi (AsiaNews) – India, a major producer of generic drugs, this week started donating medical suppliers to its neighbours in order to help them cope with the coronavirus crisis.

A government spokesperson today said that tonnes of medical supplies are being sent to Bhutan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Nepal, Myanmar, Seychelles, Mauritius and some African countries. Two days ago, a plane delivered ten tonnes to Sri Lanka (pictured).

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, several countries are being driven to help each other, something that might eventually translate into closer relations after the coronavirus epidemic.

Pakistan does not appear to be on India’s list of recipient countries. Instead, it is closer to China, which has been touting its victory over the pandemic for the past few days, promoting its “model” with donations and sales of medical supplies to Italy, Spain, Serbia, Iran, Philippines, Pakistan, South Korea, Japan, Iraq, United States, etc.

Now, India too is embarking on its own "health" Silk Road. In addition to giving paracetamol and hydroxychloroquine to its neighbours, New Delhi has given the green light for sale of Indian-made anti-COVID-19 medical drugs to the United States, United Kingdom, Brazil, Spain, Germany, Italy, and especially the Middle East, home to large Indian migrant communities.

Should the health crisis take a turn for the worse at home. Indian authorities have nevertheless ensured that the country has adequate supplies.

So far, only 5,734 cases and 166 deaths have been reported out of a population of more than 1.3 billion people. nonetheless, the authorities have ordered a total lockdown between 24 March and 14 April, causing huge problems for local migrant workers and day labourers.

According to some scientists, if the virus spreads to farming villages, it could affect up to 300 million people.

• india
• coronavirus
• covid-19
• outbreak
• epidemic
• pandemic
• lockdown
• medical drugs