US To ‘Immediately’ Send India Covid-19 Supplies, Raw Materials For Covishield Vaccine To Tackle Pandemic

Noticing India fighting daily new cases over three lakh and an active caseload of nearly 27 lakh, the United States have stepped forward to help the country battle the COVID-19 crisis. The US on Sunday said it will “immediately” send raw materials for COVID-19 vaccines, medical equipment and protective gear to India. 

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke to Indian counterpart, Ajit Doval on phone and said, “United States has identified sources of specific raw material urgently required for Indian manufacture of Covishield vaccine that will immediately be made available for India.” 

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Expressing “deep sympathy” for the people of India following the recent spike in Coronavirus cases, the US official said that besides supplies of therapeutics, rapid diagnostic test kits, ventilators & PPE, the US is also pursuing options to provide oxygen generation and related supplies on an urgent basis. 

Spoke today with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval about the spike in COVID cases in India and we agreed to stay in close touch in the coming days. The United States stands in solidarity with the people of India and we are deploying more supplies and resources: pic.twitter.com/yDM7v2J7OA

— Jake Sullivan (@JakeSullivan46) April 25, 2021

In addition to this, the United States is also deploying an expert team of public health advisors from Center for Disease Control (CDC) and USAID to work in close collaboration with US Embassy, India’s health ministries & its Epidemic Intelligence Service staff. 

Earlier today, Britain announced that it is sending over 600 medical devices including oxygen concentrators and ventilators to India to help the country with a surge in COVID-19 cases. he first shipment due to arrive in New Delhi on Tuesday. 

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“We stand side by side with India as a friend and partner in fight against COVID19. We will continue to work closely with the Indian government during this difficult time,” UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, as quoted by Reuters. 

European Union too agreed to help India and activated EU Civil Protection Mechanism. The Commissioner for Crisis Management in an official statement said EU will do its utmost to mobilise assistance to support India.