At a time where India is trying to muster enough strength to counter the menacing evil that is the COVID 19 virus, observing a strict lockdown marked by very little scope for relaxation of norms, and on a state-wise basis, it’s brilliant to note the fact that several countries are standing up for the nation. While the likes of Bangladesh, Germany, Japan, Russia and the United States have offered relentless support, forget not the fact that countries like France are doing no less during India’s most testing period during the country’s worst period of struggle in the face of the pandemic in its modern history.
That being said, nothing sounds as spectacular as this piece of news from the beating heart of Western Europe. France has actually doubled its COVID aid to India during a time the country urgently needs support from just about anywhere.
What was known already was the fact that, in addition to sending COVID medication, France was also assisting India by means of providing oxygen cylinders and oxygen-producing plants. Now, it’s quite simply doubled the COVID aid at a time where India needs it ever so desperately.
In the not too distant past, the political peremiers of the two countries had happened to converse over a video chat. And it did not take long for Mr. Macron to support India in order to ensure that one of the world’s largest democracies fights out its deadly second wave.
Also Read: How Did Delhi Bring Down Its COVID Count From 28,000 Cases To Little Over 1000?
Meanwhile, Tribune India has noted the following insights that capture the help France is extending to its ally in the sub-continent:
Several shipments are underway, which will double the support already provided so far, said a French Embassy news release.
France and India have set up an oxygen bridge to bring several rotations of liquid oxygen donated by French multinational Air Liquide. The containers are filled in Qatar, shipped to India by the Indian Navy, and then brought back empty by the IAF for refilling.
The above, it must be noted in no uncertain terms, is crucial aid at a very pressing time. So how is that?
In the last three weeks, 180 tons of liquid oxygen has reached Indian hospitals through this bridge. The rotations are now being extended until the end of June, which will enable the delivery of several hundred tons of oxygen in total.
More cargo is expected to flow directly into India from France come mid-June! And it will be carrying more units. Utterly brilliant, right?
Well, all of that being said, thank you France. You have truly shown in a moment of grave crisis what it means to have a reliable and trustworthy ally. One can surely say that India too will stand to offer support during when needed. But let’s hope that no country anywhere on the face of God’s noble earth has to face a crisis of such epic proportions.