No intention of deploying Army abroad to fight Covid-19: India

NEW DELHI: India on Friday stated that it has no intention of deploying Indian Army to any country to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic describing some media reports suggesting deployment as misleading.

"We have seen some media reports regarding the deployment of Indian Army to countries to deal with the Covid 19 pandemic. These are factually inaccurate and misleading. We have responded promptly to requests from Maldives and Kuwait for deployment of Rapid Response Teams comprising doctors, nurses and paramedics to deal with the Covid 19 pandemic. These Rapid Response Teams are ready for deployment to other friendly countries at short notice if requested by them," MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivatsava told ET.

Earlier Sri Lanka stated that it has no plans to have foreign troops deployed in the country to combat the coronavirus as the island nation's military and police have shown their capabilities in tackling the pandemic, according to Defence Secretary Kamal Gunaratne.


Addressing a press conference earlier this week, Gunaratne said the Sri Lankan forces were well prepared to tackle all the challenges posed by the COVID-19.

"Our military has already shown their expertise and professionalism in handling the emergency situation created under the coronavirus threat," Gunaratne said.

The Lankan Defence Secretary was referring to a recent news report which claimed that the Indian Army would be deployed in Sri Lanka to support the country's efforts to control the spread of the coronavirus.

Sri Lanka has so far reported 330 positive cases with 7 deaths, according to the World Health Organisation.