PM Modi offers India’s help to China to deal with coronavirus outbreak

In his letter, the Prime Minister expressed solidarity with the President and the people of China over the outbreak of the virus.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Chinese President Xi Jinping. File

India has offered assistance to China to counter the coronavirus crisis , sources said on Sunday.

India’s gesture came two days after Chinese President Xi Jinping held a telephone conversation with the leadership of the United States about Beijing’s preparedness to deal with the spread of the virus.

“In a letter written to Chinese President Xi Jinping, Prime Minister Modi offered India’s assistance to face the challenge. PM offered condolences at the unfortunate loss of lives due to the outbreak,” said a source confirming that Mr. Modi also conveyed appreciation for China’s support in evacuating Indian nationals from Wuhan.

India has evacuated 645 citizens from Wuhan so far and all of them have tested negative for coronavirus. The official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs had earlier said that India was closely following the Chinese efforts to contain the outbreak.

“If required we will be willing to extend all possible assistance to China,” the spokesperson had said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke over telephone with President Donald Trump on February 7 who offered to assist China deal with the crisis. However, President Xi said, Beijing has mobilised nationwide resources and is committed to safeguarding the lives of the Chinese citizens as well as of nationals from other countries.