Updated March 14th, 2020 at 20:31 IST
BIG: SAARC video conference on Coronavirus to be held on March 15; PM Modi to lead India
The MEA announced that PM Modi will lead India at the video conference of SAARC member nations on March 15 to formulate a strategy to combat COVID-19 outbreak.
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The Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday announced that the SAARC member countries would conduct a video conference to mull a common strategy against the novel coronavirus outbreak. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will represent India at this crucial meeting. It will take place at 5 pm IST on March 15. All other member countries of the SAARC namely Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka have responded positively to the PM’s initiative. However, Special Assistant to Pakistani PM on Health Zafar Mirza will represent Pakistan instead of Imran Khan.
Coming together for common good!
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia)
15 March, 1700 IST
PM @narendramodi will lead India at the video conference of all SAARC member countries, to chalk out a strong common strategy to fight COVID-19 in the region. pic.twitter.com/Qa0kL9CqcI
Read: BJP MP Vijay Goel Seeks Parliament Adjournment Amid COVID-19 Scare, Cites PM Modi's Advice
'Chalk out a strong strategy to fight Coronavirus'
On Friday, PM Modi opined that South Asia which accounts for a significant chunk of the world population should ensure that people are healthy. He proposed that the leaders of SAARC nations should come together to chalk out a strategy to tackle the novel coronavirus. PM Modi contended that such a collaboration would set an example for the rest of the world.
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)
South Asia, which is home to a significant number of the global population should leave no stone unturned to ensure our people are healthy.
Read: Avoid Going To Crowded Places: Haryana CM Advises People On Coronavirus Outbreak
I would like to propose that the leadership of SAARC nations chalk out a strong strategy to fight Coronavirus.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi)
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.
Coronavirus crisis
First detected in Wuhan in December 2019, COVID-19- the novel coronavirus has affected nearly 129 countries in the world. Presently, there are 1,42,320 confirmed cases of COVID-19 which has led to the death of 5,388 people. As there is no vaccine or specific antiviral medicine to deal to treat COVID-19, countries have been grappling with all possible mechanisms to contain its scope. So far, China, South Korea, Italy, and Iran have witnessed the most number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus. So far, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in India is 84, officially more than any other SAARC member nation.
Read: Maharashtra: 71-year-old Man Suspected Of Coronavirus Dies In Buldhana
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Published March 14th, 2020 at 20:31 IST