New Delhi:Congress leader and spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala commenting on the export relaxation on hydroxychloroquine following US threats, claimed that no one can browbeat, pressurise or intimidate India and it is time to follow 'India First' policy.
India first policy need to be implemented: Congress In his statement, Surjewala also said that India has the first right over the life-saving drug and the government should follow the template laid down by Indira Gandhi while dealing with other countries.
"In the fight against coronavirus, we stand with whole humanity. But India first and Indians first policy must necessarily need to be adhered to and implemented," Surjewala said.
"Friendship isn't about retaliation. India must help all nations in their hour of need but life-saving medicines should be made available to Indians in ample quantities first," Rahul Gandhi had tweeted earlier in the day.
Read:India to export hydroxychloroquine on case-by-case basis
Gandhi's reaction came after the Ministry of External Affairs said that India would to export anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine to several countries including those in the neighbourhood on a case-by-case basis in sync with its commitment to the international community to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
After Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, other party leaders Shashi Tharoor and Jaiveer Shergill also slammed US President Donald Trump's alleged threat to retaliate in case India did not supply a drug requested for by Trump to fight coronavirus.
Trump called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday and allegedly said that the US could "retaliate" if India did not release drug that he termed "game-changer" in the fight against COVID-19. On Saturday, India had banned the export of hydroxychloroquine, which the country manufactures in large quantities.
