New Delhi: Two Russian planes carrying oxygen concentrators, ventilators and other medical aids arrived in New Delhi on Thursday morning. The medical aid from Russia comes at a time when India is fighting the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic that has claimed thousands of lives so far.
Russian ambassador to India Nikolay Kudashev said, "Two urgent flights operated by the Russian EMERCOM arrived here today, which brought a cargo with a total weight of 20 tons. These are oxygen concentrators, lung ventilation equipment, bedside monitors, medicines, including Coronavir, and other essential pharmaceutical items".
He also said that Russia's humanitarian assistance will become an effective contribution to the Indian government's efforts to provide emergency treatment to those who were affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
"This is the only way we can defeat #COVID19 by uniting our endeavours and supporting each other in difficult times. Collective efforts and mutual respect should be the most important recipe to respond to any challenge", Kudashev added in another tweet.
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He further said that the delivery of the Sputnik V vaccine to India will start from May 2021.
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephonic conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The leaders discussed the evolving Covid-19 pandemic situation.
Putin expressed solidarity with the people and government of India and conveyed that Russia would extend all possible support in this regard. Prime Minister Modi thanked President Putin and noted that the prompt Russian support to India was a symbol of enduring partnership.
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According to the ministry of external affairs, the two leaders noted the ongoing cooperation between the two countries to fight the global pandemic.
Approval for emergency use of Sputnik-V vaccine in India was appreciated by President Putin. The leaders noted that the Russian Sputnik V vaccine will be manufactured in India for use in India, Russia and third countries.
Later, taking to Twitter, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, " longstanding and time-tested partner! Grateful for the shipment of oxygen concentrators, ventilators and other medical supplies that arrived from Russia this morning in two aircraft".
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