Coronavirus Update: India Likely To Procure Protective Health Gear From China As COVID-19 Cases Rise

KEY POINTS

The decision came after Indian External Affairs Minister S Jayashankar had a word with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Monday
Several European countries had earlier blasted China for the substandard quality of medical supplies being exported
India has reportedly been asking the indigenous manufacturers to look at available components but imported ones are still vital

India is likely to buy ventilators and masks from China to address a shortage of protective gear as it fights the spread of coronavirus.

According to Reuters, a government official on Tuesday confirmed the decision notwithstanding the fact that several countries in Europe had earlier complained about the quality of the equipment.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government is looking at sourcing medical gear, including masks and body coveralls, ventilators and vital components required for manufacturing N-95 masks from China to be combat-ready against the disease. India is also reliant on South Korea to fuel a part of the supplies, Reuters reported.

“China, definitely we are going to buy ... Because scaling up our domestic production will take time,” a top Indian policy official said in condition of anonymity.

Albeit India is pinning hopes on indigenous manufacturers to look at available components in order to spruce up in-house production, imported components are still vital. China has reportedly offered to extend a hand of help to India based on a government-to-government proposal.

The decision came after India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had a word with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Tuesday to weigh the effect of COVID-19 in both the countries, local daily The Economic Times reported. Wang, in the conversation, urged India to refrain from labeling the virus "Chinese" citing it would tarnish Beijing’s image at the global forefront. Wang’s request was probably a response to President Donald Trump defending his habit of calling the coronavirus a “Chinese Virus” about two weeks ago, while potentially invigorating hate crimes against Asian-Americans in the U.S.

Earlier, Spain had reportedly called out China for exporting faulty protective gear after buying $467 worth of medical supplies in the thick of the crisis. The Spanish government had announced to return 9,000 "quick result" test kits to China citing they were substandard. India, however, said it will not import testing kits and will invest only in personal protective equipment (PPE).

India, as of Tuesday, has as many as 1,251 positive cases, with 32 total deaths, according to the Johns Hopkins website.