Foreign Secretary Shringla talks to US Deputy Secretary of State Biegun

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla held a telephonic conversation with US Deputy Secretary of State Stephen E Biegun, in first high-level bilateral engagement after India decided to supply to the US and several other countries anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine which is in demand due to coronavirus outbreak.

Government sources said the talks were in line with the resolve of the two strategic partners to fight the coronavirus crisis with deeper bilateral cooperation and sharing best practices.

In the conversation between Shringla and Biegun, the two sides discussed ways to boost cooperation to counter and control the pandemic including through development of novel therapies and prophylactics, and ensuring availability of essential medicines and medical equipment, the sources said.

There was an exchange of views on the current situation with respect to the spread of COVID-19 and associated challenges, said a source.

The two sides also resolved to share best practices and information with each in flattening the growth curve of the virus which has infected more than 3,99,000 people and killed around 12,500 in the US.

Globally, the virus has claimed lives of 75,000 people and infected around 14 lakh.

India is supplying hydroxychloroquine to the US and several other countries hit by the pandemic. The drug has been cited by many as a viable therapeutic solution to fight coronavirus infection.

The decision to partially lift the ban on hydroxychloroquine came out in the public domain on Tuesday, hours after US President Donald Trump warned of retaliation if India does not heed to his request to supply it.

However, sources said India decided to ease restrictions on export of the drug on Monday evening, much before Trump's "retaliation" comments