For quite some time now, a question must have occurred in the hearts and minds of those who’ve closely followed the bi-lateral ties between the United States of America and India. Just how is the US supporting India during its toughest times; in its fight against the dreaded Coronavirus?
Up first, a harmless word of wisdom. It is during tough times and someone’s toughest phase that the measure of true friendship can be gauged. Ever heard that one? You may have. And proving that the two countries have been, for long, critical allies, the United States is reposing faith in its close ally, India by extending timely help during the new coming of the Covid wave.
So just how is that?
Well, you’d be utterly pleased to know that the US is delivering useful supplies worth USD 100 million to India during the latter’s most trying times and not just that, the first flight carrying the useful shipment is due to land in India today (i.e., April 29).
Therefore, what’s arriving from the United States are essential supplies in order to aid India’s fight against the turmoil that’s the new wave of the COVID 19 virus. And the first flight carrying the same has already left the US shores.
Further news updates reveal that the flight with the essential stock left the Travis Air Force Base, nestled on the world’s largest military aircraft as on Wednesday night. The said information was confirmed by the US Agency for International Development.
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That being said, here’s the most important question of them all- just what constitutes the essential supplies being sent from the US?
To that end, please be informed that the India-bound flight is carrying no fewer than 440 oxygen cylinders as well as regulators, majority of which have been generously donated by the Sunshine State, aka the state of California.
Now that’s the information about what’s soon to arrive, but is there anything else?
Well, in addition to the above, the USAID has also arranged for sending as many as 960,000 Rapid Diagnostic Tests, which will help toward early identification of the virus. The same will then assist in curbing the spread of the COVID. Furthermore, there are also some 100,000 N95 masks that are due to arrive in the US flight to India.
What must also be noted is that the White House confirmed that in order to mobilise help toward India for the provision of these useful supplies, not only did the US state governments help, but so did private companies as well as not for profits.
Furthermore, here’s what the Tribune had to report in its coverage of the situation:
Asserting that this reflects America’s solidarity with India as it battles a new wave of COVID-19, the White House said that the immediate emergency assistance includes oxygen support, oxygen concentrators, oxygen generation units, personal protective equipment, vaccine manufacturing supplies and rapid diagnostic tests.
According to the White House, an initial delivery of 1,100 cylinders will remain in India and can be repeatedly refilled at local supply centres, with planeloads more to come.
Here’s another heartwarming piece of news- the US is also supplying India the Oxygen Generation Units (PSA Systems).
Such timely measures especially during grave crisis should definitely go a long way in assisting India during such a torrid phase!