China, Pakistan among countries offering help to India to fight COVID-19

New Delhi: India has been offered help in fighting its surge in COVID-19 cases by neighbours Pakistan and China, as well as a host of other countries.

A total of 16.6 million cases have been reported in the country, and India is currently grappling with about 2.5 million active infections, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

“I want to express our solidarity with the people of India as they battle a dangerous wave of COVID-19,” said a statement from Imran Khan, Pakistan’s Prime Minister. “Our prayers for a speedy recovery go to all those suffering from the pandemic in our neighbourhood and the world. We must fight this global challenge confronting humanity together.”

Lijian Zhao, the spokesperson of China’s Foreign Ministry, also spoke in a similar vein, saying, at his regular press conference, “China expresses sincere sympathies to India over the deteriorating situation in the country recently. The Chinese government and people firmly support the Indian government and people in fighting the coronavirus.

“China is ready to provide support and help according to India's need, and is in communication with the Indian side on this,” he added. “We believe that the Indian people will defeat the virus at an early date.”

Meanwhile, the south-east Asian state of Singapore has sent four cryogenic oxygen containers. They were picked up by the Indian Air Force from Changi Airport.

“We stand with India in its fight against COVID-19,” said a statement from Singapore’s diplomatic representatives in India, adding that these containers were made available “through a bilateral and multi-agency effort.”

Marise Payne, the Foreign Minister of Australia, also offered assistance and “solidarity to our friends in India as it tackles this latest COVID-19 outbreak. India’s generosity and leadership in providing vaccines to our region is appreciated. We will continue to work closely to respond to this global crisis.”

Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, also sent a message of support through Emmanuel Lenain, the ambassador of his country to India.

“France is with you in this struggle, which spares no-one. We stand ready to provide our support,” he said.
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