US President Donald Trump has warned India saying that there may be retaliation if India does not allow the supply of Hydroxychloroquine drug, used in the treatment of coronavirus patients.

While addressing a press briefing, Trump said that he spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday and appreciated that India is allowing supply (of Hydroxychloroquine) to come out. "If he doesn't allow it to come out, that would be okay, but of course, there may be retaliation, why wouldn't there be,” Trump said.

Trump's remarks came at a time when both countries are in the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hydroxychloroquine, an old and inexpensive drug used to treat malaria, is seen as a viable therapeutic solution by Trump to coronavirus that has so far killed more than 10,000 Americans and infected over 3.6 lakh within weeks.

In a recent move, India lifted export restrictions on 24 key drug ingredients after domestic pharma companies lobbied with the government to lift the sanctions. The government has also decided to lift a partial ban on hydroxychloroquine.

Official sources said that the government will clear the existing orders immediately on humanitarian grounds. The Centre, sources said, will not ban but restrict the export of hydroxychloroquine

Last month, India imposed a ban on the export on Hydroxychloroquine, on which Trump is now banking heavily for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. India has received similar requests from several other countries including its immediate neighbours Sri Lanka and Nepal.

First Published:Apr 7, 2020 7:42 AM IST