A US military plane landed in New Delhi this morning.
New Delhi:
India received the first Covid emergency aid supplies from the United States this morning as the country fights a deadly second wave that has strained the healthcare system. Over 3 lakh cases are getting added to the country’s caseload everyday for more than a week, and SOS messages for hospital beds and medical oxygen have flooded social media.
With more than 400 oxygen cylinders, nearly one million rapid coronavirus test kits, and other hospital equipment, a Super Galaxy military transporter landed at New Delhi’s International airport this morning, news agency AFP reported..
In a tweet, the US Embassy shared pictures of the supplies and said: “The first of several emergency COVID-19 relief shipments from the United States has arrived in India! Building on over 70 years of cooperation, the United States stands with India as we fight the COVID-19 pandemic together. #USIndiaDosti (sic).”
The first of several emergency COVID-19 relief shipments from the United States has arrived in India! Building on over 70 years of cooperation, the United States stands with India as we fight the COVID-19 pandemic together. #USIndiaDostipic.twitter.com/OpHn8ZMXrJ
— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) April 30, 2021
Earlier this week, US President Joe Biden pledged sustained support to India in its fight against Covid. “Just as India sent assistance to the United States as our hospitals were strained early in the pandemic, we are determined to help India in its time of need,” Mr Biden said in a tweet.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mr Biden had a telephonic conversation on Monday to discuss the Covid situation in both the nations. “We discussed the evolving COVID situation in both countries in detail. I thanked President Biden for the support being provided by the United States to India,” PM Modi said later.
In a statement, the White House said: “The President pledged America’s steadfast support for the people of India who have been impacted by the recent surge in COVID-19 cases… the United States is providing a range of emergency assistance, including oxygen-related supplies, vaccine materials, and therapeutics”.
The United Kingdom, Russia, China and several other nations have also resolved to help India.