In early 2020, experts predicted that the world order unprecedentedly disrupted by pandemic, will put the rhetoric of global cooperation to test more than ever. In an early response to the pandemic Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organisation (WHO) said “For all our differences, we are one human race sharing the same planet and our security is interdependent – no country will be safe, until we’re all safe.”
Almost a year later, world confronts one such moment and has risen to the occasion. The onset of second wave of COVID-19 pandemic in India has triggered a flurry of promising responses from the world community. Be it heads of states or the heads of corporate giants, responses have bravely embraced the moral obligation of the crisis. As of now, a total of 17 countries, which includes neighbours and major economic powers of the world, have announced humanitarian assistance to India.
The latest to arrive is an assistance package from Russia. Early in the morning on Thursday, April 29, 2021, two Russian Planes landed in New Delhi with 22 tons of humanitarian aid, which included 20 units of oxygen-producing equipment, 75 artificial lung ventilation devices, 150 medical monitors and 2,00,000 packages of medicine.
The announcement of the package by Russia, followed a telephonic interaction between Prime Minister Modi and his Russian counterpart Putin, wherein Putin promised the cooperation in such challenging times. After successfully curating the landing of assistance, Russian envoy to India, Ambassador Nikolay Kudashev said, “India approved emergency supplies of Hydroxychloroquine to Russia as a gesture of goodwill when the pandemic unfolded last year. We appreciate and remember it. This is the only way we can defeat the coronavirus by uniting our endeavours and supporting each other in difficult times.”
In a similar gesture US Agency for International Development (USAID) too dispatched an assistance package on Wednesday, 28th April, 2021, which includes 440 oxygen cylinders, 100,000 N95 masks and 960,000 rapid diagnostic test kits. Conforming the assistance, US President Joe Biden said “We are sending immediately a whole series of help that India needs, including Remdesivir and other drugs that are able to deal with this.” US Government has also approved the supply of filters which are critically important in manufacturing of the Covishield vaccine.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau too announced that Canada will provide USD 10 million to India to support fight against COVID-19. The country on Thursday registered over 3.79 lakh fresh COVID-19 cases and over 3,600 deaths in 24 hours. The humanitarian assistance, thus holds a crucial role in amplifying the medical intervention.
European community too has responded to the crisis. A press release from British High commission in New Delhi said, “In total, nine airline container loads of supplies, including 495 oxygen concentrators, 120 non-invasive ventilators and 20 manual ventilators, will be sent to the country this week. This equipment will be crucial in helping to save the lives of the most vulnerable in India.”
The German Army too has announced that it will ship a large oxygen production plant along with respirators, ventilators and huge quantities of Remdesivir and other medicines from German emergency health stocks.
An official press release from European Union (EU) pledged the humanitarian aid from its member states. Varied range of assistance includes Remdesivir, oxygen concentrators, oxygen cylinders, ventilators etc.
Asian neighbours including China, and Australia too have been vocal about their willingness to help India. Apart from this, a large number of multinational companies like Google, Apple, Amazon, Microsoft etc. have extended varied range of assistance.
In a notable gesture, Australian cricketer Pat Cummins donated USD 50,000 to PM Cares fund. While informing about the commitment through Twitter, on Monday, Cummins said I encourage my fellow IPL players — and anyone around else the world who has been touched by India’s passion and generosity — to contribute.”
The broad response is also a reciprocal reception to the humanitarian assistance extended by India early in the year, to numerous countries. WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus went on record to praise Indian efforts in this context “Thanks India & Prime Minister Modi for supporting Vaccine Equity. Your commitment to COVAX and sharing COVID-19 vaccine doses is helping 60+ countries start vaccinating their health workers and other priority groups. I hope other countries will follow your example”
Here is the detailed list of assistance extended to India in times unprecedented:
Story Edited by Raghujit Randhawa
1 Comment
Wonderful article . Sir this is just appropriate article as per the current situation. You have just shown a mirror to us about how other countries are helping us with their medications. This shows how our relationship is with other countries is maintained. Even cricket players have given their best help. I dnt knew this much only got to know after reading your article. Pls pls keep on writing these kinds of article in future as well. Do not stop writing and sharing your articles. I am inspired with your writings. So keep on inspiring others as well. Best wishes.