The Indian government remains resolved in its efforts to combat the Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, alongside the government of Maldives.

This was revealed by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi via Twitter on Monday.

As such, he wrote that the “special bond” shared between the two neighboring countries have “strengthened our resolve” to fight this “common enemy” side by side.

India remains resilient to stand by Maldives, which is described by PM Modi as a close maritime neighbor and friend, during these challenging times, the PM assured Maldives President, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

Both leaders recently held a telephone conversation about the Covid-19 response efforts, where discussions revolved around the challenges the pandemic poses for the small island nation, especially economically and in the health sector.

Responding to a separate Twitter post by the Indian PM, the Maldives president noted that it was a “pleasure” to have had the discussions.

The pair also discussed possible means of cooperation from India to aid the Maldives curb the spread of the disease, during the telephone conversation.

The government of India has been providing timely assistance to the Maldivian government on several occasions, including the facilitation of the transport of essential medicines at the request of the Maldivian government. As such, 6.2 tonnes of essential medicines were brought to Maldives with the support of the Indian armed forces.

Further, a rapid-response team comprising of 14 medical health professionals was also sent by the Indian government as well as a three-month supply of essential medicines amounting 5.5 tonnes.

Maldives was also included among the 13 countries approved by India to export hydroxychloroquine which the Indian government has described is a “game changer” in the treatment for the deathly pandemic.

Maldives is also the first country to receive medical assistance from India during the Covid-19 crisis and also the first to receive 5.5 tonnes of Covid-related medicines, despite the country having restricted all movement in and out of India as a safety measure.