MUMBAI, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- An Indian political expert said he is confident that the Chinse government and people will overcome the outbreak of novel coronavirus.

"I am extremely impressed that the Chinese government has risen to this challenge with such speed, determination and sensitivity," Sudheendra Kulkarni, former chairman of the Mumbai-based think-tank Observer Research Foundation told Xinhua in a recent interview.

"The way the Chinese government has risen to this challenge is an inspiration for the entire world including India," Kulkarni said, noting that people have read reports of how new hospitals have been constructed within a few days, and how public places like gymnasium have been converted into boarding areas for people, who might have been infected.

"And what is also encouraging is that the common people of China are cooperating... they are helping others," he added.

Regarding the impact of the virus outbreak on the Chinese economy, Kulkarni expressed his confidence that China would emerge from the epidemic even stronger.

In an age of globalization, a crisis of this kind could happen anywhere, said Kulkarni, adding that the opportunities are global, and so are the challenges and the responsibilities.

"It is a global responsibility that we stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of China and the government of China and overcome this crisis," he said.