Kathmandu: The Indian government has sought a list of the essential drugs and other necessary drug materials it needs to supply to Nepal two days after the it decided to impose a restriction on the export of 26 types of drugs raw materials, including life-saving medicines.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Ishwar Pokharel, who heads a high-level coordination committee formed by the government to counter the threats posed by coronavirus, informed that India has communicated about its willingness to relax the restriction of the drugs needed for Nepal, The Himalayan Times reported.

“We corresponded with the Indian government to provide the necessary raw materials and life-saving medicines yesterday,” said Pokharel, adding, the southern neighbour is positive on the supply of drugs to Nepal.

As the Indian government has also restricted the export of 26 APIs, the decision is certain to hit the Nepali market as most of the local pharmaceutical companies rely on India for the raw materials.