MANILA, Philippines — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte of India’s commitment to help address the COVID-19 pandemic, including its continuous supply of pharmaceutical products to the country.
The two leaders had a phone call on Tuesday night, Modi said on his Twitter account.
“Had a useful exchange with President Rodrigo Duterte about COVID-19 and other issues. I thanked him for taking care of the Indian community in the Philippines,” Modi said.
Had a useful exchange with President Rodrigo Duterte about COVID-19 and other issues. I thanked him for taking care of the Indian community in the Philippines.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 9, 2020
“India and the Philippines will cooperate to reduce the health and economic impact of the pandemic, and to give shape to our common vision for the Indo-Pacific region,” he further said.
India and the Philippines will cooperate to reduce the health and economic impact of the pandemic, and to give shape to our common vision for the Indo-Pacific region.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 9, 2020
Once a vaccine against the respiratory disease becomes available, the Indian Prime Minister said it would be directed for the benefit of all.
“Prime Minister assured President Duterte of India’s commitment to support the Philippines in its fight against the pandemic, and stressed that India’s well-established capacity for manufacturing affordable pharmaceutical products, including for an eventual vaccine once it is found, would continue to be deployed for the benefit of entire humanity,” a statement from Modi’s office read.
According to a statement from Malacañang, Modi also assured the supply of anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine that is being used in COVID-19 treatment clinical trials.
Duterte, in return, “appreciated the steps taken by India to maintain the supply of essential pharmaceutical products to the Philippines.”
The Philippine president also lauded India in its efforts against the pandemic, “noting the country’s 2.82% fatality rate, among the lowest in the world.”
India has so far recorded at least 276,000 COVID-19 cases, of which some 135,000 already recovered while over 7,700 died.
Both leaders also shared “satisfaction” in its bilateral relationship, including defense cooperation, with Modi noting how India sees the Philippines as a “vital partner” in the Indo-Pacific region.
The phone conversation which was requested by the Indian government lasted for 25 minutes.
Duterte, in return, “appreciated the steps taken by India to maintain the supply of essential pharmaceutical products to the Philippines.”
Both leaders also shared “satisfaction” in its bilateral relationship, including defense cooperation, with Modi noting how India sees the Philippines as a “vital partner” in the Indo-Pacific region.