India provides aid to countries amid COVID-19

India has extended medical and financial support to various countries struggling to cope with the current COVID-19 pandemic. The Government has sent medical supplies that include hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) tablets, thought to be a solution for the disease, to over 50 countries. India has also approved funds for project outlays and other medical equipment.

On April 18, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India dispatched 200,000 HCQ tablets to the Dominican Republic as emergency aid to fight the spread of coronavirus, as reported by the Financial Express. Navigating multiple logistical challenges, the MEA was able to transport the consignment from New Delhi to the Dominican Republic as Indian officials effectively coordinated with the Permanent Mission of India (PMI) to the UN, New York, and the Indian Mission in Cuba.

On April 21, the Government had approved plans to provide Antigua with financial support, in the form of US$1 million determined for project outlay and US$150,000 towards medical equipment required in combating COVID-19 and mitigating the spread of the pandemic, as reported by the Economic Times. 

As a reliable source of affordable, high quality medical and pharmaceutical products for almost 190 countries around the world, India is well placed to support global efforts towards curbing the spread of coronavirus. 

India is taking various measures to ensure continuous trade of medical supplies and equipment required for treatment, including the launch of an official help desk to assist with any COVID-19 related export and import issue. The government has also announced a US$22.5 billion relief plan to help the most vulnerable sections of the society ride out the crisis. Meanwhile, the newly established Invest India Business Immunity Platform is providing businesses with access to the latest developments in the crisis.