India gives green signal to Spanish Hydroxychloroquine order

India has given a green signal to hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) order place by Spain. The European country had placed orders for HCQ, which is being called a gamechanger drug, more than two months ago.

Earlier in the day, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had a telephonic conversation with Spanish FM Arancha González. A tweet on the talks by EAM said, "We agreed that effective COVID response requires global cooperation" and 'India has responded positively to the urgent pharmaceutical requirement of Spain."

While an official notification is still to be given by India, it has looked at the Spanish order positively.

India has announced that it will give licenced HCQ to countries which are worst impacted by COVID-19. The focus will also be on the neighbourhood and fulfilling prior contractual obligations for there is enough supply.

Spain has around 1.5 lakh cases of coronavirus with around 14,000 deaths and is one of the worst impacted countries in not only Europe but around the world.

India has received requests from about 30 countries for hydroxychloroquine - from the US to Brazil to countries in Europe, Gulf and ASEAN.

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Wednesday had a telephone conversation with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, Stephen E. Biegun regarding COVID-19 cooperation. According to sources, both sides discussed ways to further enhance their cooperation to counter and control the pandemic including through the development of novel therapies and prophylactics against COVID-19 and ensuring the availability of essential medicines, diagnostic & medical equipment, and sharing of best practices/information.

US has also ordered HCQ from India. The matter was discussed between PM Modi and US President during their talks on April 4.