PM Modi dials Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi to discuss COVID-19 response

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Myanmar State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on Thursday to discuss  evolving COVID-19 scenario in domestic and regional contexts and updated each or on steps being taken to control spread of pandemic. In a tweet, PM Modi said both countries will address challenges from pandemic "in spirit of our excellent bilateral ties" and in line with India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy.

Underlining importance of Myanmar as a vital pillar of India's Neighbourhood First policy, Prime Minister Modi conveyed India's readiness to provide all possible support to Myanmar for mitigating health and ecomic impact of COVID 19,  Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

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Prime Minister assured all possible support by government for Myanmar citizens present in India and thanked State Counsellor for cooperation being extended by Myanmar authorities to Indian citizens in Myanmar. Both leaders agreed to remain in touch and work toger to address present and future challenges posed by COVID-19, MEA furr said.

India has so far reported over 33,000 COVID-19 cases and has passed 1,000-mark death toll. Myanmar, on or hand, has reported just 150 cases and six deaths, as  testing rate in one of Asia's poorest country remains far too low.

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Diplomacy amid COVID

conversation with Myanmar's de facto leader is latest in a host of exchanges PM Modi had with foreign leaders over last few days. He has interacted with most national leaders of neighbouring countries. India has assured its friendly neighbours and or allies of cooperation and has continued assisting foreign nations in a show of solidarity amid pandemic that has infected over 3 million people worldwide.

Recently, India contributed towards medical and food supplies to several smaller nations and has exported vast sums of most-sought drugs like Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and paracetamol. PM Modi has consistently stayed in touch with many world leaders, especially of those countries' which host a significant Indian diaspora.

(PTI Photo)

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