Coronavirus: Narendra Modi calls on SAARC leaders to together chalk out strategy to fight pandemic
Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Maldives welcomed the proposal.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called on countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation to set an example by chalking out a strong strategy to fight the coronavirus pandemic. Over 4,000 people have been killed worldwide, and over 1.2 lakh infected by the virus so far. In India, 75 people have been diagnosed with COVID-19, and one person has died.
SAARC comprises seven countries – India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Modi suggested leaders of SAARC nations that they could discuss strategies to combat the coronavirus via videoconferencing.
“Our planet is battling the COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus,” Modi tweeted. “At various levels, governments and people are trying their best to combat it. South Asia, which is home to a significant number of the global population should leave no stone unturned to ensure our people are healthy.”
Our planet is battling the COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus. At various levels, governments and people are trying their best to combat it.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 13, 2020
South Asia, which is home to a significant number of the global population should leave no stone unturned to ensure our people are healthy.
“I would like to propose that the leadership of SAARC nations chalk out a strong strategy to fight Coronavirus,” Modi added. “We could discuss, via video conferencing, ways to keep our citizens healthy. Together, we can set an example to the world, and contribute to a healthier planet.”
I would like to propose that the leadership of SAARC nations chalk out a strong strategy to fight Coronavirus.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 13, 2020
We could discuss, via video conferencing, ways to keep our citizens healthy.
Together, we can set an example to the world, and contribute to a healthier planet.
Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli welcomed Modi’s suggestion. He said his government was willing to work closely with other SAARC member countries to fight the coronavirus.
I welcome the idea advanced by Prime Minister Modiji @narendramodi for chalking out a strong strategy by the leadership of the SAARC nations to fight Coronavirus. My government is ready to work closely with SAARC Member States to protect our citizens from this deadly disease.
— KP Sharma Oli (@PM_Nepal) March 13, 2020
Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa thanked Modi for the suggestion. He said Sri Lanka is ready to join discussions and learn from other SAARC countries. “Let’s unite in solidarity during these trying times and keep our citizens safe,” Rajapaksa added.
Thank you for the great initiative Shri @narendramodi - #LKA is ready to join the discussion & share our learnings & best practices and to learn from other #SAARC members. Let’s unite in solidarity during these trying times and keep our citizens safe. https://t.co/fAiT5w3O8D
— Gotabaya Rajapaksa (@GotabayaR) March 13, 2020
Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih also welcomed the proposal. “Covid 19 requires collective effort to defeat it,” he tweeted. “Maldives welcomes this proposal and would fully support such a regional effort.”
Thank you PM @narendramodi for taking the initiative on this important endeavor. Covid 19 requires collective effort to defeat it. Maldives welcomes this proposal and would fully support such a regional effort. https://t.co/2fxQxe9w1h
— Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (@ibusolih) March 13, 2020
Bhutan Prime Minister Lotay Tshering hailed Modi’s “leadership”, ANI reported. “As members of this region, we must come together in such times,” he said, addressing the Indian prime minister. “Smaller economies are hit harder, so we must coordinate. With your leadership, I’ve no doubt we will see immediate & impactful outcome.”