Modi govt has succumbed to US threat by allowing export of hydroxychloroquine: CPI(M)

CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury on Tuesday hit out at government for "capitulating" to US over its decision to partially lift a ban on export of anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine.

party also condemned "retaliation" threat made by US President Donald Trump.

government's decision came a week after a telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump, who sought supply of hydroxychloroquine to US to treat coronavirus infected people.

Trump on Monday said he would be surprised if New Delhi did t relent to request as it has good relations with Washington and warned India of retaliation if it did t export anti-malarial drug despite his personal request.

" statement by US President is unacceptable. But Modi govt has succumbed to threat by allowing export. That this happened after an expensive gala was organised for him by Modi, instead of preparing to contain Covid-19, shows how this govt has let down India," said Yechury in a tweet.

Trump had appreciated that India was allowing supply (of hydroxychloroquine) to come out, but if it did t, "that would be okay, but of course, re may be retaliation, why wouldn't re be?"

"Trump's threat of retaliation for easing restrictions on export of vital generic drugs including hydroxychloroquine is just arm twisting. Govt's capitulation to this brazen blackmail undermines vital concerns in our battle against #COVID19. Yet ar surrender to US interests," Left leader said.

He furr said that in recent past, government has shown "unplanned fiddling" with export of all sorts of PPE, N5 surgical masks, gloves, ventilators with a disastrous impact on safety of our frontline health workers.

"Trump's threat to India is in tune with obxious attempts to secure drugs and or pandemic related maternal and in diverting supplies meant for or countries in pure self interest," he said.

" polit bureau of CPI(M) demands that this decision is rescinded in supreme interest of our people's health and safety, which face a major threat from pandemic," he said.

On March 25, India banned export of hydroxychloroquine in midst of views in some quarters that drug could be used to fight COVID-19. India is largest exporter of drug.

It is learnt that high-ranking officials of India and US were engd over issue of supply HCQ to US by certain Indian companies following telephonic conversation between Modi and Trump and decision to ease restrictions on export of drug was result of a process.

assessment in government on Trump's comment on "retaliation" is that his response was t pre-meditated and that it was an instantaneous reaction by US President when put on spot.

re was indication that decision to lift partial ban on two drugs was taken at a high-level meeting last night. 

Im Credits: PTI