Writing on Twitter, PM Modi had referred to the global fight against Covid-19 epidemic and urged the South Asian leaders to set an example for the world

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called on leaders of the SAARC nations to join hands in the battle against the novel coronavirus epidemic which has killed more than 4,700 people worldwide and infected nearly 1,30,000.

Responding to the call, leaders of several countries that form the grouping – South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation – welcomed the initiative and said they are ready to unite in these trying times.

Writing on Twitter, PM Modi had referred to the global fight against Covid-19 epidemic and urged the South Asian leaders to set an example for the world.

Here’s what the PM wrote in a couple of tweets posted on the micro-blogging website:

“Our planet is battling the COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus. 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.

“I would like to propose that the leadership of SAARC nations chalk out a strong strategy to fight Coronavirus. 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.”

The leaders of several South Asian nations have responded to the calls.

Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa described PM Modi’s call as a great initiative and said: “Thank you for the great initiative PM Modi. Sri Lanka is ready to join the discussion and share our learnings and best practices and to learn from other SAARC members. Let's unite in solidarity during these trying times and keep our citizens safe.”

Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli expressed his government’s readiness to join the effort. “I welcome the idea advanced by PM Modi ji 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,” Oli said.

The President of Maldives, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, thanked PM Modi for taking the initiative and said: “COVID-19 requires collective effort to defeat it. Maldives welcomes this proposal and would fully support such a regional effort.”

Bhutan PM Lotay Tshering said: “This is what we call leadership. As members of this region, we must come together in such times. Smaller economies are hit harder, so we must coordinate. With your leadership, I've no doubt we will see immediate and impactful outcome.”