India on Sunday banned export of Remdesivir, an anti-viral drug amid a surge in coronavirus cases in the country.

In an order, the government said it had banned export of the Remdesivir injection and Remdesivir active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) untill the pandemic situation in the country stabilizes.

"India is witnessing a recent surge in Covid cases. As on April 11, there are 11.08 lakh active Covid cases and they are steadily increasing. This has led to a sudden spike in demand for injection Remdesivir used in treatment of Covid patients. There is a potential of further increase in this demand in the coming days,” the government said in a statement.

Seven Indian companies are producing Remdesivir under voluntary licensing agreement with Gilead Sciences, US.

To ensure more people can get Remdesivir, the government said manufactures of Remdesivir have been asked to show on their website the details of their stockists and distributors.

Drugs inspectors and other officers have been asked to verify stocks, check any malpractice and stop hoarding and sale in the black market.

"The Department of Pharmaceuticals has been in contact with the domestic manufacturers to ramp up the production of Remdesivir,” the government said.

Several states have been reporting a surge in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks, prompting them to consider micro lockdowns and bringing back restrictions.

Though India's vaccination drive has had success, several states have complained of low stock of vaccines and some are even complaining they have almost run out of it.

India has so far recorded 13,553,000 coronavirus cases and 169,839 deaths.

(With input from agencies)