Australia’s initial package of ventilators and oxygen concentrators has left Sydney for New Delhi as the country pledges to deliver more essential medical supplies to India.
NRI Affairs Correspondent
Image: twitter.com/MarisePayne
“Australia stands with India in responding to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. Today, our initial package of ventilators and oxygen concentrators were loaded onto a Qantas plane bound for New Delhi. Australia and India will work together during this challenging time,” tweeted Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne with pictures of supplies being loaded on to a plane.
It was a chartered Qantas flight carrying supplies, including 1056 ventilators and 43 oxygen concentrators.
The Australian donated supplies will be given to the Indian Red Cross and local authorities for redistribution.
“India has shown great leadership and generosity to the world in exporting vaccines globally. It is time for the world to repay that generosity, and Australia as a close friend of the Indian people is playing its part,” Minister Payne said.
“We express our solidarity and deepest support with India as it responds to this ongoing crisis and recognises how difficult this time is for Indians and Australians in India and their loved ones.”
Indian officials thanked Australia for its timely support.
“Thank you, Flag of AustraliaPrime Minister Hon. Scott Morrison AFM Senator Marise Payne for the timely support to India in the fight against the global pandemic. Deeply appreciate,” tweeted the Indian High Commission in Australia.
Australia’s Health Minister Greg Hunt said the Government had offered a significant package of support to the Indian Government.
“We are deeply passionate about supporting people in India, which is why we have reached out to support with medical supplies such as oxygen, ventilators and PPE,” Minister Hunt said.
“At the same time, we are working on plans to resume travel from India to support Australians to get home.”
