Nepal PM Oli, two world leaders backs Modi's call for SAARC solidarity to combat Coronavirus

Oli tweeted: " 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."

Maldives President  Ibrahim Mohamed Solih posted: "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."

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa called the move as a 'great initiative'.

He tweeted: "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."

Eight countries form the SAARC. They are India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Maldives. 

At a time when the world is witnessing major coronavirus outbreak, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for SAARC nations to chalk out a strong strategy to fight the virus which is believed to have originated from China and then spread to different countries.

He further suggested that these strategies could be discussed, via video conferencing and by coming together SAARC nations can set an example to the world and contribute to a healthier planet.

In a series of tweets, PM said that South Asia, which is home to a significant number of the global population should leave no stone unturned to ensure the health of its people.

He also said that the Government is trying its best at various levels to combat COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus.

Modi tweeted: "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."

In another tweet, he said, "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."

India recorded its first death from the virus on Thursday. The deceased was a 76-year old man from Karnataka.

Three people from Kerala have, however, recovered.