<p>Switzerland, on Thursday, joined the league of countries that are extending assistance to India by sending 600 oxygen concentrators and 50 respirators worth&nbsp;$3.3 million approx.</p>

<p>The Swiss assistance comes as India battles the second wave of the covid pandemic. Speaking WION's&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal, Swiss Ambassador to India Dr Ralf Heckner said, "It is good to see not only the swiss government and the swiss people but also the Swiss private sector are stepping up. Lots of solidarity coming from Switzerland to India."</p>

<p>Nearly 40 Swiss companies have also come together and pledged medical relief worth over CHF 7 million for India’s fight against COVID-19. The medical relief package includes oxygen concentrators, rapid antigen test kits, ventilators, portable suction pumps and helmets with ventilation for medical staff.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/american-civil-rights-activist-urges-biden-to-give-astrazeneca-vaccine-to-india-383443" hreflang="en">American civil rights activist urges Biden to give AstraZeneca vaccine to India</a></strong></p>

<p>Asked about concerns about the support reaching to various end-users, the envoy said, "In my own assessment, give the Indian government some more time to finalise the structures and processes."</p>

<p>Talking about the covid vaccine patent wavier, Heckner said, "With the decision of the US government,&nbsp;we have a new situation" and he assured that the&nbsp;"swiss government is assessing the new situation".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> Switzerland has sent humanitarian aid to India. If you can provide us details of the assistance?<br />
<strong>Dr&nbsp;Ralf Heckner:</strong> This is a huge crisis, a lot of people are suffering in India. On the other side, we see a lot of international solidarity. About 40 countries are providing relief package to India and I am happy to say Switzerland is among those countries. Last night swiss cargo flight landed in New Delhi with 13 tons of medical equipment. We had 600 oxygen concentrators onboard and 50 ventilators. Ventilators came from the stock of Swiss armed force — originally for the Swiss people. Now they are here to assist the suffering Indian population and humanitarian aid has arrived in India. I am happy this was done quickly and we handed over the goods to the Indian red cross society.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-second-wave-in-india-a-tragedy-says-us-surgeon-general-dr-vivek-murthy-383432" hreflang="en">Covid second wave in India a tragedy, says US Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong>&nbsp;The private sector from Switzerland has also stepped in to help India. Can you give us more information on that?<br />
<strong>Dr Ralf Heckner:</strong> Indeed the private sector is part and parcel of this solidarity coming from Switzerland. You might know Switzerland is one of the most important trade and investment partners of India. There are more than 300 Swiss businesses in India, 120 Indian businesses in Switzerland and they come together under the Swiss-India chamber of commerce. My embassy, together with the Swiss business hub in Mumbai with the Swiss India chamber of commerce, coordinated the relief package from the private sector. More than 30 swiss businesses are part of the relief package. The first cargo will arrive on Saturday morning in Delhi with 100 oxygen concentrators again. It is good to see not only the swiss government and the swiss people but also the Swiss private sector are stepping up. Lots of solidarity coming from Switzerland to India.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-after-backlash-australia-to-send-repatriation-flights-for-stranded-citizens-in-india-383399" hreflang="en">COVID-19: After backlash, Australia to send repatriation flights for stranded citizens in India</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong>&nbsp;The Swiss Development Agency worked with Indian cities to detect covid in wastewater systems. Can you tell us about that?<br />
<strong>Dr&nbsp;Ralf Heckner:</strong> Last year when COVID stuck, the swiss development agency redirected programmes, projects, and funds in order to fight covid. That was also done here in India. Normally, the Swiss Development Agency in India is dealing with global warming and climate change. Last year, the Swiss development agency invested in projects that helped city authorities to detect covid early on in wastewater. It is an important early warning system for municipal authorities in order to detect covid early on —&nbsp;before you have people coming into hospitals. This is not only being done in India, but in swiss cities as well. Wastewater covid early detection system is very important for our policymakers at the municipal level to act early on during a covid crisis.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> Any concerns about the end-use of humanitarian aid?<br />
<strong>Dr Ralf Heckner:</strong> First and foremost it is important how this relief effort is being done. For this relief package from Switzerland, our partner here is the Indian Red Cross Society. So, the cargo last night was handed over to the Indian Red Cross Society, and our relief goods will be dispatched and distributed through the Ministry of Health. So, my embassy is not distributing the relief items.</p>

<p>Early in my career, I was head of the crisis management center of the Swiss federal department of foreign affairs where my job was to look after swiss citizens abroad in a crisis situation and I learned there that it needs time ahead of the beginning of the crisis to get the right structures and the right processes in place in order to be able to efficiently deal with and manage that crisis. That is exactly what I am seeing here now when it comes to the Indian government. The Indian government is setting up the right structures and the right processes when it comes to dealing with the crisis and also dispatching the incoming relief items. In my own assessment, give the Indian government some more time to finalise the structures and processes.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> Any travel advisory for travellers coming from India?<br />
<strong>Dr&nbsp;Ralf Heckner:</strong> One year ago, we changed our travel advice, but it is the same for more or less all the countries of the globe. The swiss authorities are advising the locals to only travel in case of necessity. That is the travel advisory&nbsp;that is in place for almost all countries of this planet and also for India. In that respect, we did not change our travel advisory when it comes to India.</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong>&nbsp;Is your government planning any evacuations for&nbsp;embassy officials?&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Dr Ralf Heckner:</strong> The foreign minister was very clear right at the beginning of the crisis that missions abroad have to remain functional. They have to work, and&nbsp;move on, and do their business. For that reason, the transferrable staff remains abroad and that is the policy that remains up to today.</p>

<p>We have all the staff members here in Delhi, transferrable staff members in Mumbai and Bangalore, who will stay in India.&nbsp;When it comes to the situation of my embassy and consular generals in Mumbai, there is the swiss business hub in Mumbai, the CG in Bangalore. We had to evacuate a transferrable staff member from Banglore to Switzerland because of COVID, two weeks ago.</p>

<p>When it comes to the situation here in the embassy, I have a number of local staff members who are ill in different stages of COVID. Luckily, no severe case has been reported yet.</p>

<p>Our covid measures are strict from the beginning.&nbsp;I arrived in September and have always kept very strict covid measures here at the embassy and that was the right decision. In early March I felt&nbsp;some of my staff members wanted to go back to normal and tried putting some pressure on me to change our covid mitigation measures, and I made it clear at the start of March that it was not the time to let down our guard. That situation in India reminds me of the situation of last summer in Europe. In October, with the cold coming in Europe, we had the start of a big wave in Europe and Switzerland. So, we remain very cautious and prudent when it comes to covid here at the embassy, in Banglore and Mumbai.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> US has announced support for vaccine intellectual property right wavier. What is the Swiss government's stance?<br />
<strong>Dr&nbsp;Ralf Heckner:</strong> With the decision of the US government, we have a new situation and that means that the Swiss government is assessing the new situation, and based on that we will take a position. So, I am aware this is happening now in Bern, and let us wait and see what the outcome will be.</p>


Switzerland, on Thursday, joined the league of countries that are extending assistance to India by sending 600 oxygen concentrators and 50 respirators worth $3.3 million approx.

Switzerland, on Thursday, joined the league of countries that are extending assistance to India by sending 600 oxygen concentrators and 50 respirators worth $3.3 million approx. The Swiss assistance comes as India battles the second wave of the covid pandemic. Speaking WION's Sidhant Sibal, Swiss Ambassador to India Dr Ralf Heckner said, "It is good to see not only the swiss government and the swiss people but also the Swiss private sector are stepping up. Lots of solidarity coming from Switzerland to India." Nearly 40 Swiss companies have also come together and pledged medical relief worth over CHF 7 million for India’s fight against COVID-19. The medical relief package includes oxygen concentrators, rapid antigen test kits, ventilators, portable suction pumps and helmets with ventilation for medical staff. Also read | American civil rights activist urges Biden to give AstraZeneca vaccine to India Asked about concerns about the support reaching to various end-users, the envoy said, "In my own assessment, give the Indian government some more time to finalise the structures and processes." Talking about the covid vaccine patent wavier, Heckner said, "With the decision of the US government, we have a new situation" and he assured that the "swiss government is assessing the new situation". WION: Switzerland has sent humanitarian aid to India. If you can provide us details of the assistance? Dr Ralf Heckner: This is a huge crisis, a lot of people are suffering in India. On the other side, we see a lot of international solidarity. About 40 countries are providing relief package to India and I am happy to say Switzerland is among those countries. Last night swiss cargo flight landed in New Delhi with 13 tons of medical equipment. We had 600 oxygen concentrators onboard and 50 ventilators. Ventilators came from the stock of Swiss armed force — originally for the Swiss people. Now they are here to assist the suffering Indian population and humanitarian aid has arrived in India. I am happy this was done quickly and we handed over the goods to the Indian red cross society. Also read | Covid second wave in India a tragedy, says US Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy WION: The private sector from Switzerland has also stepped in to help India. Can you give us more information on that? Dr Ralf Heckner: Indeed the private sector is part and parcel of this solidarity coming from Switzerland. You might know Switzerland is one of the most important trade and investment partners of India. There are more than 300 Swiss businesses in India, 120 Indian businesses in Switzerland and they come together under the Swiss-India chamber of commerce. My embassy, together with the Swiss business hub in Mumbai with the Swiss India chamber of commerce, coordinated the relief package from the private sector. More than 30 swiss businesses are part of the relief package. The first cargo will arrive on Saturday morning in Delhi with 100 oxygen concentrators again. It is good to see not only the swiss government and the swiss people but also the Swiss private sector are stepping up. Lots of solidarity coming from Switzerland to India. Also read | COVID-19: After backlash, Australia to send repatriation flights for stranded citizens in India WION: The Swiss Development Agency worked with Indian cities to detect covid in wastewater systems. Can you tell us about that? Dr Ralf Heckner: Last year when COVID stuck, the swiss development agency redirected programmes, projects, and funds in order to fight covid. That was also done here in India. Normally, the Swiss Development Agency in India is dealing with global warming and climate change. Last year, the Swiss development agency invested in projects that helped city authorities to detect covid early on in wastewater. It is an important early warning system for municipal authorities in order to detect covid early on — before you have people coming into hospitals. This is not only being done in India, but in swiss cities as well. Wastewater covid early detection system is very important for our policymakers at the municipal level to act early on during a covid crisis. WION: Any concerns about the end-use of humanitarian aid? Dr Ralf Heckner: First and foremost it is important how this relief effort is being done. For this relief package from Switzerland, our partner here is the Indian Red Cross Society. So, the cargo last night was handed over to the Indian Red Cross Society, and our relief goods will be dispatched and distributed through the Ministry of Health. So, my embassy is not distributing the relief items. Early in my career, I was head of the crisis management center of the Swiss federal department of foreign affairs where my job was to look after swiss citizens abroad in a crisis situation and I learned there that it needs time ahead of the beginning of the crisis to get the right structures and the right processes in place in order to be able to efficiently deal with and manage that crisis. That is exactly what I am seeing here now when it comes to the Indian government. The Indian government is setting up the right structures and the right processes when it comes to dealing with the crisis and also dispatching the incoming relief items. In my own assessment, give the Indian government some more time to finalise the structures and processes. WION: Any travel advisory for travellers coming from India? Dr Ralf Heckner: One year ago, we changed our travel advice, but it is the same for more or less all the countries of the globe. The swiss authorities are advising the locals to only travel in case of necessity. That is the travel advisory that is in place for almost all countries of this planet and also for India. In that respect, we did not change our travel advisory when it comes to India. WION: Is your government planning any evacuations for embassy officials? Dr Ralf Heckner: The foreign minister was very clear right at the beginning of the crisis that missions abroad have to remain functional. They have to work, and move on, and do their business. For that reason, the transferrable staff remains abroad and that is the policy that remains up to today. We have all the staff members here in Delhi, transferrable staff members in Mumbai and Bangalore, who will stay in India. When it comes to the situation of my embassy and consular generals in Mumbai, there is the swiss business hub in Mumbai, the CG in Bangalore. We had to evacuate a transferrable staff member from Banglore to Switzerland because of COVID, two weeks ago. When it comes to the situation here in the embassy, I have a number of local staff members who are ill in different stages of COVID. Luckily, no severe case has been reported yet. Our covid measures are strict from the beginning. I arrived in September and have always kept very strict covid measures here at the embassy and that was the right decision. In early March I felt some of my staff members wanted to go back to normal and tried putting some pressure on me to change our covid mitigation measures, and I made it clear at the start of March that it was not the time to let down our guard. That situation in India reminds me of the situation of last summer in Europe. In October, with the cold coming in Europe, we had the start of a big wave in Europe and Switzerland. So, we remain very cautious and prudent when it comes to covid here at the embassy, in Banglore and Mumbai. WION: US has announced support for vaccine intellectual property right wavier. What is the Swiss government's stance? Dr Ralf Heckner: With the decision of the US government, we have a new situation and that means that the Swiss government is assessing the new situation, and based on that we will take a position. So, I am aware this is happening now in Bern, and let us wait and see what the outcome will be.

Switzerland extends assistance to India; breaks silence on covid vaccine patent wavier

<p>Russia's single-dose COVID-19&nbsp;vaccine <strong>Sputnik Light</strong> will be produced in India, much in the line of its predecessors Sputnik V whose production also happens in the country.</p>

<p>"It will be produced in exactly the same countries where<strong> Sputnik V</strong> will be produced. So it's India, Korea, and China," said&nbsp;Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian direct investment Fund (RDIF) in a virtual presser told reporters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He explained, "many other countries already produce the Sputnik V <strong>vaccine</strong>. So same capabilities production can be used because basically&nbsp;Sputnik light will be the first shot of the Sputnik V vaccine. So we will use the same production capacity that exists."</p>

<p>The Russian ministry of health, the <strong>Gamaleya</strong> National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, and RDIF on Thursday announced that Sputnik light has received authorization for use in Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to RDIF, the Sputnik Light vaccine demonstrated 79.4 per cent&nbsp;<strong>efficacy</strong>. 7000 people in multiple countries like Russia, UAE, Ghana, and others were involved in its Phase III clinical study.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India has given approval to Sputnik V and the first consignment arrived in the country on <strong>May 1</strong>.</p>

<p>In fact, <strong>RDIF</strong> has signed pacts with five&nbsp;Indian companies to produce 850 million doses of the vaccine in the country that will not only be used in India and Russia but also exported to the third&nbsp;country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Indian envoy to Russia Bala Venkatesh Varma recently said, "We expect in the months ahead more than 60-70 per cent of Sputnik vaccine produced anywhere will be produced in India".</p>

<p>More than 60 countries have given approval to Sputnik V and as of May 5&nbsp;more than 20 million people globally have received the first injection of the&nbsp;Sputnik V vaccine.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the cost of the Sputnik Light vaccine globally according to Russian authorities will be less than <strong>$10</strong> and it can be kept in temperatures at +2 +8.&nbsp;Kirill Dmitriev is hopeful of various regulators across the world giving it approval, with some approvals expected as early as next week.&nbsp;</p>


Russia's single-dose COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik Light will be produced in India, much in the line of its predecessors Sputnik V whose production also happens in the country.

Russia's single-dose COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik Light will be produced in India, much in the line of its predecessors Sputnik V whose production also happens in the country. "It will be produced in exactly the same countries where Sputnik V will be produced. So it's India, Korea, and China," said Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian direct investment Fund (RDIF) in a virtual presser told reporters. He explained, "many other countries already produce the Sputnik V vaccine. So same capabilities production can be used because basically Sputnik light will be the first shot of the Sputnik V vaccine. So we will use the same production capacity that exists." The Russian ministry of health, the Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, and RDIF on Thursday announced that Sputnik light has received authorization for use in Russia. According to RDIF, the Sputnik Light vaccine demonstrated 79.4 per cent efficacy. 7000 people in multiple countries like Russia, UAE, Ghana, and others were involved in its Phase III clinical study. India has given approval to Sputnik V and the first consignment arrived in the country on May 1. In fact, RDIF has signed pacts with five Indian companies to produce 850 million doses of the vaccine in the country that will not only be used in India and Russia but also exported to the third country. Indian envoy to Russia Bala Venkatesh Varma recently said, "We expect in the months ahead more than 60-70 per cent of Sputnik vaccine produced anywhere will be produced in India". More than 60 countries have given approval to Sputnik V and as of May 5 more than 20 million people globally have received the first injection of the Sputnik V vaccine. Meanwhile, the cost of the Sputnik Light vaccine globally according to Russian authorities will be less than $10 and it can be kept in temperatures at +2 +8. Kirill Dmitriev is hopeful of various regulators across the world giving it approval, with some approvals expected as early as next week.

Russia's single-dose COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik Light to be produced in India

<p>Part two&nbsp;of the France solidarity mission to India of sending anti-Covid assistance will begin at the end of May. Under this, a&nbsp;second air shipment of medical equipment and oxygen generator plants will be sent to New Delhi.</p>

<p>France is also going to send liquid oxygen from French company Air Liquide's plants in the region to India via sea including with help of&nbsp;Indian armed forces.&nbsp;The first shipment of liquid O2 will arrive in the coming days.</p>

<p>Informed sources told WION that the Indian Airforce might also be involved in getting supplies from France.&nbsp;Indian Air force is already playing a key role and in the last few days airlifted 900 empty Oxygen cylinders from the UK, four&nbsp;cryogenic oxygen containers from Perth, Australia.</p>

<p>As a part of its&nbsp;solidarity mission, France had&nbsp;sent eight&nbsp;medical oxygen generators last week. Each generator can make an Indian hospital autonomous in oxygen supply for approximately 10 years. The country also sent specialised medical equipment&nbsp;including 28 ventilators as well as 200 electric syringe pumps.</p>

<p>France is supporting India&nbsp;under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (MPCU). Under the mechanism, more than 15&nbsp;members of the European Union are sending assistance to New Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the European Commission has announced that it will allocate an initial €2.2 million in emergency funding to respond to the ongoing Covid crisis in India.</p>

<p>"We are providing additional EU support towards the fight against COVID-19 in India. This comes on top of the generous and swift assistance from the EU Member States that stepped up as part of Team Europe to offer critical supplies of oxygen, ventilators, and medicines over the last few days", said European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič.</p>

<p>EU member states that have already mobilised supplies of urgently needed oxygen, ventilators, and medicines are Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Spain and Sweden.</p>


Part two of the France solidarity mission to India of sending anti-Covid assistance will begin at the end of May. Under this, a second air shipment of medical equipment and oxygen generator plants will be sent to New Delhi.

Part two of the France solidarity mission to India of sending anti-Covid assistance will begin at the end of May. Under this, a second air shipment of medical equipment and oxygen generator plants will be sent to New Delhi. France is also going to send liquid oxygen from French company Air Liquide's plants in the region to India via sea including with help of Indian armed forces. The first shipment of liquid O2 will arrive in the coming days. Informed sources told WION that the Indian Airforce might also be involved in getting supplies from France. Indian Air force is already playing a key role and in the last few days airlifted 900 empty Oxygen cylinders from the UK, four cryogenic oxygen containers from Perth, Australia. As a part of its solidarity mission, France had sent eight medical oxygen generators last week. Each generator can make an Indian hospital autonomous in oxygen supply for approximately 10 years. The country also sent specialised medical equipment including 28 ventilators as well as 200 electric syringe pumps. France is supporting India under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (MPCU). Under the mechanism, more than 15 members of the European Union are sending assistance to New Delhi. Meanwhile, the European Commission has announced that it will allocate an initial €2.2 million in emergency funding to respond to the ongoing Covid crisis in India. "We are providing additional EU support towards the fight against COVID-19 in India. This comes on top of the generous and swift assistance from the EU Member States that stepped up as part of Team Europe to offer critical supplies of oxygen, ventilators, and medicines over the last few days", said European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič. EU member states that have already mobilised supplies of urgently needed oxygen, ventilators, and medicines are Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Spain and Sweden.

Covid crisis: France to begin phase two of solidarity mission; EU announces €2.2m support

<p>India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will be doing all his meetings virtually in London after he was exposed to possible Covid positive cases.</p>

<p>The EAM is in London for the G7 foreign ministers meet where India has been invited as a guest along with India, Australia, South Korea, South Africa, and the secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It has been reported that some members of the Indian delegation have been confirmed covid positive.</p>

<p>EAM tweeted, "Was made aware yesterday evening of exposure to possible Covid positive cases. As a measure of abundant caution and also out of consideration for others, I decided to conduct my engagements in the virtual mode. That will be the case with the G7 Meeting today as well."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Was made aware yesterday evening of exposure to possible Covid positive cases. As a measure of abundant caution and also out of consideration for others, I decided to conduct my engagements in the virtual mode. That will be the case with the G7 Meeting today as well.</p>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1389854062762409987?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Indian delegation had tested Covid negative when they had left for the UK on Sunday. In fact, some members of the delegation have been vaccinated as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sources said, "Working out with UK health authorities and what needs to be done."&nbsp;As of now, the entire Indian delegation has isolated and healthy.&nbsp;The Indian foreign minister is in the UK from&nbsp;May 3 to&nbsp;6, and he is expected to come back towards the end of the week.</p>

<p>Today was the last day of the G7, but it was important since the focus was on the invited guest countries. Along with guest countries, foreign ministers in the G7 summit&nbsp;are discussing issues like n Open Societies, Vaccines/Health, Climate/Girl’s Education. EAM joined all the meetings virtually and will also call on British Prime Minister Boris Johnson virtually.</p>

<p>UK PM said, "I think it is very important to try to continue as much business as you can as a government. We have a very important relationship with India, with our G7 partners. As I understand, what's happened is that the individual concerned they are all isolating now. I will be seeing the Indian foreign minister later on this afternoon but that will be a zoom exchange".</p>

<p>In his London visit, EAM so far has met South Africa's FM Dr. Naledi Pandor, UK Home Secretary Priti Patel, US Secretary of state Antony Blinken. He also had a conversation with EU FM Josep Borrell and a trilateral with French FM Jean-Yves Le Drian and Australian FM Marise Payne, but no pictures were released of the meeting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>G7 FMs meet, along with guest countries was the biggest in-person gathering of foreign ministers amid the covid pandemic, and such physical meet is happening after a gap of over two&nbsp;and half years. The last meeting happened in France.</p>

<p>India is being invited since 2019 on a continuous basis for G7 meets, first by France, then by the US, and this year by the British. Indian PM has been invited for the leader's summit that will take place in the UK later physically, which could also see the first in-person Quad meetings as well.&nbsp;</p>


India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will be doing all his meetings virtually in London after he was exposed to possible Covid positive cases. The EAM is in London for the G7 foreign ministers meet where India has been invited as a guest along with India, Australia, South Korea, South Africa, and the secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will be doing all his meetings virtually in London after he was exposed to possible Covid positive cases. The EAM is in London for the G7 foreign ministers meet where India has been invited as a guest along with India, Australia, South Korea, South Africa, and the secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It has been reported that some members of the Indian delegation have been confirmed covid positive. EAM tweeted, "Was made aware yesterday evening of exposure to possible Covid positive cases. As a measure of abundant caution and also out of consideration for others, I decided to conduct my engagements in the virtual mode. That will be the case with the G7 Meeting today as well." Was made aware yesterday evening of exposure to possible Covid positive cases. As a measure of abundant caution and also out of consideration for others, I decided to conduct my engagements in the virtual mode. That will be the case with the G7 Meeting today as well. — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 5, 2021 × The Indian delegation had tested Covid negative when they had left for the UK on Sunday. In fact, some members of the delegation have been vaccinated as well. Sources said, "Working out with UK health authorities and what needs to be done." As of now, the entire Indian delegation has isolated and healthy. The Indian foreign minister is in the UK from May 3 to 6, and he is expected to come back towards the end of the week. Today was the last day of the G7, but it was important since the focus was on the invited guest countries. Along with guest countries, foreign ministers in the G7 summit are discussing issues like n Open Societies, Vaccines/Health, Climate/Girl’s Education. EAM joined all the meetings virtually and will also call on British Prime Minister Boris Johnson virtually. UK PM said, "I think it is very important to try to continue as much business as you can as a government. We have a very important relationship with India, with our G7 partners. As I understand, what's happened is that the individual concerned they are all isolating now. I will be seeing the Indian foreign minister later on this afternoon but that will be a zoom exchange". In his London visit, EAM so far has met South Africa's FM Dr. Naledi Pandor, UK Home Secretary Priti Patel, US Secretary of state Antony Blinken. He also had a conversation with EU FM Josep Borrell and a trilateral with French FM Jean-Yves Le Drian and Australian FM Marise Payne, but no pictures were released of the meeting. G7 FMs meet, along with guest countries was the biggest in-person gathering of foreign ministers amid the covid pandemic, and such physical meet is happening after a gap of over two and half years. The last meeting happened in France. India is being invited since 2019 on a continuous basis for G7 meets, first by France, then by the US, and this year by the British. Indian PM has been invited for the leader's summit that will take place in the UK later physically, which could also see the first in-person Quad meetings as well.

External Affairs Minister Jaishankar's participation at G7 summit goes virtual over Covid worries

<p>In a significant development, the much-awaited physical trilateral meeting between Indian, Australian, and French foreign ministers took place in London on Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is the first-ever trilateral meet of Indian External Affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and Australian FM Marise Payne who met on the sidelines of the G7 foreign ministers' meet in London.</p>

<p>The G7 meeting is the first in-person interaction of&nbsp;foreign ministers of the grouping amid the pandemic. The meet is happening after more than two years, and the last such meet was in France in 2019.<br />
<br />
G7 consists of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. For the G7 FMs meet this year, the UK as the host had invited India, Australia, South Korea, South Africa and the Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).</p>

<p>The France-India-Australia trilateral was launched in September 2020 at foreign secretaries' level with three joint priorities: maritime security, environment, and multilateralism.<br />
<br />
There have been senior official's meetings on each track since then, and now it is being raised to ministerial level.</p>

<p>The trilateral mechanism is elevated at the ministerial level within one year of its inception.</p>

<p>The focus of the three countries is&nbsp; expectedly also on Indo-Pacific as well.</p>

<p>Both France and Australia are part of the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI)&nbsp; announced by India in 2019.</p>

<p>France's joining the IPOI was announced during the French foreign minister's visit to New Delhi last month.</p>

<p>Naval forces of all the three countries have been also exercising with each other under several formats, from India-France bilateral naval exercises Varuna, to Malabar Naval exercises with the involvement of Quad countries -India, Japan, Australia, and the US or the La Pérouse -Franch Naval forces with Quad member countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this year, the mechanism had met at the senior officials level.</p>

<p>The Indian side was led by Joint Secretary (Europe West) in MEA, Sandeep Chakravorty while the French side was led by Bertrand Lortholary, Director (Asia and Oceania), and the Australian side was led by Mr Gary Cowan, First Assistant Secretary (North and South Asia Division) and John Geering, First Assistant Secretary (Europe and Latin America Division).</p>


In a significant development, the much-awaited physical trilateral meeting between Indian, Australian, and French foreign ministers took place in London on Tuesday.

In a significant development, the much-awaited physical trilateral meeting between Indian, Australian, and French foreign ministers took place in London on Tuesday. This is the first-ever trilateral meet of Indian External Affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and Australian FM Marise Payne who met on the sidelines of the G7 foreign ministers' meet in London. The G7 meeting is the first in-person interaction of foreign ministers of the grouping amid the pandemic. The meet is happening after more than two years, and the last such meet was in France in 2019. G7 consists of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. For the G7 FMs meet this year, the UK as the host had invited India, Australia, South Korea, South Africa and the Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The France-India-Australia trilateral was launched in September 2020 at foreign secretaries' level with three joint priorities: maritime security, environment, and multilateralism. There have been senior official's meetings on each track since then, and now it is being raised to ministerial level. The trilateral mechanism is elevated at the ministerial level within one year of its inception. The focus of the three countries is expectedly also on Indo-Pacific as well. Both France and Australia are part of the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) announced by India in 2019. France's joining the IPOI was announced during the French foreign minister's visit to New Delhi last month. Naval forces of all the three countries have been also exercising with each other under several formats, from India-France bilateral naval exercises Varuna, to Malabar Naval exercises with the involvement of Quad countries -India, Japan, Australia, and the US or the La Pérouse -Franch Naval forces with Quad member countries. Earlier this year, the mechanism had met at the senior officials level. The Indian side was led by Joint Secretary (Europe West) in MEA, Sandeep Chakravorty while the French side was led by Bertrand Lortholary, Director (Asia and Oceania), and the Australian side was led by Mr Gary Cowan, First Assistant Secretary (North and South Asia Division) and John Geering, First Assistant Secretary (Europe and Latin America Division).

India, France, Australian foreign ministers hold first ever trilateral in London

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British PM Boris Johnson on Tuesday had a virtual summit that saw a slew of outcomes, including the launch of a trade partnership;&nbsp;an enhanced trade partnership that aims to double bilateral trade between the two countries by 2030.</p>

<p>Under the partnership,&nbsp;Sandeep Chakravorty&nbsp;Joint Secretary (Europe West) in the Ministry of External Affairs said, the aim is to "seize them and unlock the true potential" of trade and "to negotiate a comprehensive and balanced FTA including consideration of an Interim Trade Agreement for delivering early gains."</p>

<p>The summit happened at a time when External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar is in London to take part in the G7 foreign ministers' meet. Earlier today he signed the&nbsp;MoU on India-UK Migration and Mobility Partnership with UK Home Secretary Priti Patel.</p>

<p>The pact will allow 3,000 young Indian professionals the opportunity to work in the UK for a two-year period without being subject to labour market test while India will take back any of its citizens living illegally in the country.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-boris-johnson-announces-14-billion-trade-deal-with-india-382740" hreflang="en">UK PM Boris Johnson announces $1.4 billion trade deal with India</a></p>

<p>During the talks&nbsp;that started at 5 pm IST, both leaders also discussed the extradition of economic offenders like Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya. In response to a WION question,&nbsp;Sandeep Chakravorty said, "Yes they discussed the issue of the economic offender, PM said that economic offenders should be sent back to India for trial", elaborating, "PM Johnson said that he faced certain legal hurdles because of the nature of the criminal justice system in the UK but he was aware of it and they will do whatever possible to make that these people are extradited at the earliest".</p>

<p>Both Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi have been given a go-ahead on extradition by the British government, but in case of Mallya, some formalities are&nbsp;still left. In the case of Nirav Modi, it is possible that he&nbsp;could further appeal in his case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The summit saw&nbsp;both the leaders discuss&nbsp;a range of issues like the Indo-pacific, climate change. They agreed to strengthen defence and security ties, including in the maritime, counter-terrorism and cyberspace domains. The Indian PM Modi also thanked the British PM for the medical assistance sent by the UK in the backdrop of the Covid crisis that brought unimaginable devastation to the country. The UK was the first country to send assistance to India last week even as more support is expected to come.</p>

<p>Earlier today, the UK prime minister announced one billion pounds of India-UK trade deals, of which £240 million investment is by the Serum Institute of India into the country. The biggest vaccine manufacturer of the world will produce vaccines in the UK and also establish a new sales office in the country.</p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British PM Boris Johnson on Tuesday had a virtual summit that saw a slew of outcomes, including the launch of a trade partnership; an enhanced trade partnership that aims to double bilateral trade between the two countries by 2030.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British PM Boris Johnson on Tuesday had a virtual summit that saw a slew of outcomes, including the launch of a trade partnership; an enhanced trade partnership that aims to double bilateral trade between the two countries by 2030. Under the partnership, Sandeep Chakravorty Joint Secretary (Europe West) in the Ministry of External Affairs said, the aim is to "seize them and unlock the true potential" of trade and "to negotiate a comprehensive and balanced FTA including consideration of an Interim Trade Agreement for delivering early gains." The summit happened at a time when External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar is in London to take part in the G7 foreign ministers' meet. Earlier today he signed the MoU on India-UK Migration and Mobility Partnership with UK Home Secretary Priti Patel. The pact will allow 3,000 young Indian professionals the opportunity to work in the UK for a two-year period without being subject to labour market test while India will take back any of its citizens living illegally in the country. Also read: UK PM Boris Johnson announces $1.4 billion trade deal with India During the talks that started at 5 pm IST, both leaders also discussed the extradition of economic offenders like Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya. In response to a WION question, Sandeep Chakravorty said, "Yes they discussed the issue of the economic offender, PM said that economic offenders should be sent back to India for trial", elaborating, "PM Johnson said that he faced certain legal hurdles because of the nature of the criminal justice system in the UK but he was aware of it and they will do whatever possible to make that these people are extradited at the earliest". Both Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi have been given a go-ahead on extradition by the British government, but in case of Mallya, some formalities are still left. In the case of Nirav Modi, it is possible that he could further appeal in his case. The summit saw both the leaders discuss a range of issues like the Indo-pacific, climate change. They agreed to strengthen defence and security ties, including in the maritime, counter-terrorism and cyberspace domains. The Indian PM Modi also thanked the British PM for the medical assistance sent by the UK in the backdrop of the Covid crisis that brought unimaginable devastation to the country. The UK was the first country to send assistance to India last week even as more support is expected to come. Earlier today, the UK prime minister announced one billion pounds of India-UK trade deals, of which £240 million investment is by the Serum Institute of India into the country. The biggest vaccine manufacturer of the world will produce vaccines in the UK and also establish a new sales office in the country.

India-UK summit: Modi-Boris launch trade partnership; discuss extradition of Mallya, Nirav Modi

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{39293c79-43e5-4524-ac83-e1f66c36363b}{83}" paraid="865274555" >Ahead of the India-UK virtual summit to be chaired by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Indian PM Narendra Modi, the former has announced one billion pounds of new UK-India trade deals which includes an investment of 240 million pounds&nbsp;by Pune-based Serum Institute of India&nbsp;(SII).</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{39293c79-43e5-4524-ac83-e1f66c36363b}{83}" paraid="865274555" >The investment by SII, according to the UK government, will be into their vaccine business and a new sales office that will generate new business worth one billion pounds.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{39293c79-43e5-4524-ac83-e1f66c36363b}{118}" paraid="28846024" >Ahead of the summit, Johnson said, "Like every aspect of the UK-India relationship, the economic links between our countries make our people stronger and safer."&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{39293c79-43e5-4524-ac83-e1f66c36363b}{132}" paraid="407695772" >All in all, the announcement on a trade deal will create 6,500 new jobs in the UK and includes over £533&nbsp;million&nbsp;of new Indian investment into the UK.&nbsp;£200&nbsp;million&nbsp;of these deals will support low carbon growth.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{39293c79-43e5-4524-ac83-e1f66c36363b}{153}" paraid="686192025" >One of the key focus areas of the virtual summit will be the launching of the Comprehensive Roadmap 2030. The roadmap aims to expand and deepen India-UK cooperation in the next decade in five areas:&nbsp;people-to-people relationship, trade and prosperity,&nbsp;defence&nbsp;and security, climate action and healthcare.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{39293c79-43e5-4524-ac83-e1f66c36363b}{167}" paraid="85175040" >The UK sees New Delhi as its key partner in a post-Brexit world and as part of its Indo-Pacific tilt, has been increasing engagement. In fact,&nbsp;the&nbsp;UK PM was very keen on visiting India and both times,&nbsp;in January and April, it got postponed due to the Covid pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{39293c79-43e5-4524-ac83-e1f66c36363b}{174}" paraid="738692707" >Meanwhile, as the Covid crisis in India leaves unimaginable devastation, London has been quick to send assistance.</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{39293c79-43e5-4524-ac83-e1f66c36363b}{174}" paraid="738692707" >Last week,&nbsp;it became the first country to send planeloads of assistance to New Delhi and so far, it&nbsp;has sent £6 million worth of medical supplies.</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{39293c79-43e5-4524-ac83-e1f66c36363b}{174}" paraid="738692707" >The British Asian Trust raised over £1.6mn in the last week through their emergency appeal&nbsp;and&nbsp;UK business leaders have&nbsp;mobilised&nbsp;in response to the Indian High Commission’s request for vital equipment.&nbsp;</p>


Ahead of the India-UK virtual summit to be chaired by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Indian PM Narendra Modi, the former has announced one billion pounds of new UK-India trade deals which includes an investment of 240 million pounds by Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII).

Ahead of the India-UK virtual summit to be chaired by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Indian PM Narendra Modi, the former has announced one billion pounds of new UK-India trade deals which includes an investment of 240 million pounds by Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII). The investment by SII, according to the UK government, will be into their vaccine business and a new sales office that will generate new business worth one billion pounds. Ahead of the summit, Johnson said, "Like every aspect of the UK-India relationship, the economic links between our countries make our people stronger and safer." All in all, the announcement on a trade deal will create 6,500 new jobs in the UK and includes over £533 million of new Indian investment into the UK. £200 million of these deals will support low carbon growth. One of the key focus areas of the virtual summit will be the launching of the Comprehensive Roadmap 2030. The roadmap aims to expand and deepen India-UK cooperation in the next decade in five areas: people-to-people relationship, trade and prosperity, defence and security, climate action and healthcare. The UK sees New Delhi as its key partner in a post-Brexit world and as part of its Indo-Pacific tilt, has been increasing engagement. In fact, the UK PM was very keen on visiting India and both times, in January and April, it got postponed due to the Covid pandemic. Meanwhile, as the Covid crisis in India leaves unimaginable devastation, London has been quick to send assistance. Last week, it became the first country to send planeloads of assistance to New Delhi and so far, it has sent £6 million worth of medical supplies. The British Asian Trust raised over £1.6mn in the last week through their emergency appeal and UK business leaders have mobilised in response to the Indian High Commission’s request for vital equipment.

Modi-Boris virtual summit brings deals worth 1 billion pounds, enhanced trade partnership  

<p>Along with the ongoing Covid crisis and US assistance to India in dealing with it, Indo-Pacific dominated the talks between India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in London.</p>

<p>This was the first physical meeting between the two&nbsp;since the new Biden administration took charge in January. Both of them have been in constant touch, telephonically and virtually.</p>

<p>After the meeting, EAM said, "We discussed first and foremost the strong support we are getting from the United States on dealing with the Covid situation. We are very, very appreciative of that."</p>

<p>So far, US has sent five&nbsp;consignments of assistance to India to deal with the ongoing devastating Covid crisis. India has been reporting over 300,000 cases of Covid daily for days now. The assistance includes oxygen concentrators and other related supplies.</p>

<p>The US secretary of state said, "We remember so well when India came to our assistance in the early days of Covid in a very important and powerful way".</p>

<p>"We are joined in this fight together and determined to do everything we can to help".</p>

<p>The focus was also on vaccines, and how Indian vaccine production can address both India's own needs and the world's requirements.</p>

<p>Under the Quad vaccine initiative, India will be producing a large number of vaccines for the countries in the Indo-Pacific, with the US and Japan's financial support and Australia's logistical backing. Focus was expectedly on Indo Pacific, with sources saying that the ministers reviewed the "progress in practical cooperation" in recent months.</p>

<p>Both the ministers also discussed the agenda before United Nations Security Council, Climate change, the situation in Myanmar.</p>

<p>On Myanmar, discussions centred on the ASEAN's&nbsp;five-point plan and its further progress.</p>


Along with the ongoing Covid crisis and US assistance to India in dealing with it, Indo-Pacific dominated the talks between India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in London.

Along with the ongoing Covid crisis and US assistance to India in dealing with it, Indo-Pacific dominated the talks between India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in London. This was the first physical meeting between the two since the new Biden administration took charge in January. Both of them have been in constant touch, telephonically and virtually. After the meeting, EAM said, "We discussed first and foremost the strong support we are getting from the United States on dealing with the Covid situation. We are very, very appreciative of that." So far, US has sent five consignments of assistance to India to deal with the ongoing devastating Covid crisis. India has been reporting over 300,000 cases of Covid daily for days now. The assistance includes oxygen concentrators and other related supplies. The US secretary of state said, "We remember so well when India came to our assistance in the early days of Covid in a very important and powerful way". "We are joined in this fight together and determined to do everything we can to help". The focus was also on vaccines, and how Indian vaccine production can address both India's own needs and the world's requirements. Under the Quad vaccine initiative, India will be producing a large number of vaccines for the countries in the Indo-Pacific, with the US and Japan's financial support and Australia's logistical backing. Focus was expectedly on Indo Pacific, with sources saying that the ministers reviewed the "progress in practical cooperation" in recent months. Both the ministers also discussed the agenda before United Nations Security Council, Climate change, the situation in Myanmar. On Myanmar, discussions centred on the ASEAN's five-point plan and its further progress.

COVID-19 crisis, Indo-Pacific dominate Jaishankar-Blinken talks in London

<div>Calling India "one of (the) most important partners", United Kingdom's High Commissioner Alex Ellis has said that this is a "moment to transform our relationship".</div>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

<div>His comments come ahead of India-UK virtual summit led by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on May 04.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

<div><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/narendra-modi-boris-johnson-to-hold-virtual-summit-on-may-04-382363">Narendra Modi, Boris Johnson to hold virtual summit on May 04</a></strong></div>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

<div>Speaking exclusively to WION's Sidhant Sibal, HC Ellis highlighted the British assistance to India as it battles the COVID pandemic. "UK has worked with the utmost urgency and speed to support our friends in India", pointing to the "incredible level of support from the wider British public and industry."&nbsp;&nbsp;</div>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

<div>On April 27, UK became the first country to send anti-Covid assistance to New Delhi. Assistance includes oxygen concentrators, ventilators. London has also announced it will also provide three oxygen generation units, each producing 500 litres of oxygen per minute.&nbsp;</div>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

<div><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-send-1000-ventilators-to-india-soon-dominic-raab-382334" hreflang="en">UK to send 1,000 ventilators to India soon: Dominic Raab</a></strong></div>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

<div>Previous to the current position, HC Ellis has been the Deputy National Security Adviser for the Integrated Review on diplomacy, development and defence.&nbsp;
<p><strong>WION:</strong> The UK was the first country to send assistance to India to deal with the Covid pandemic. A lot of solidarity was seen in the UK for India, from the top leadership as well as the people. If u can give some detail on the assistance?</p>

<div><strong>Alex Ellis:</strong>&nbsp;Across government, the UK has worked with the utmost urgency and speed to support our friends in India, to help relieve the phenomenal pressure the country’s healthcare system is under. The Prime Minister himself made a pledge to do all we can to help.</div>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

<div>The UK has announced the delivery of vital medical equipment to assist India in its fight against COVID-19. This includes&nbsp;1,200 ventilators, 495 oxygen concentrators, and three oxygen generation units. The first shipment arrived early on April 27, and that equipment is already being distributed to Indian hospitals.&nbsp;There have been further shipments this week, and more still to come.</div>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

<div>I am also delighted to see the incredible level of support from the wider British public and industry. From His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales to the diaspora and student communities, everyone is doing their bit to help. Businesses have also mobilised and are working directly with the Indian High Commission in London. The British Asian Trust, for example, has raised over £1.25 million through their emergency appeal.&nbsp;The living bridge we share is truly amazing.</div>

<p><strong>WION:&nbsp;</strong>How helpful do you see your assistance will be for India?</p>

<p><strong>Alex Ellis:</strong>&nbsp;As the Prime Minister has said, "we stand side-by-side with India as a friend and partner during what is a deeply concerning time in the fight against COVID-19". Our health secretaries, foreign ministers, and a range of experts from various fields are in regular contact and we will continue working closely with the Government of India to identify the right kind of assistance we can provide.&nbsp;Oxygen is obviously one of the main needs at this time, which is why we announced further support with the three oxygen generation units. These oxygen units are the size of shipping containers —&nbsp;each capable of producing 500 litres of oxygen per minute, enough for 50 people to use at a time.</p>

<p><strong>WION:&nbsp;</strong>What kind of anti-covid cooperation we can expect between the two, especially on vaccines?</p>

<div><strong>Alex Ellis:</strong>&nbsp;The importance of our collaboration on researching, developing, and manufacturing a Covid vaccine cannot be understated. The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine was developed with unprecedented speed and made available ‘at cost’ to Serum Institute of India, the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer. This is already a scientific achievement of historic proportions.</div>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

<div>The UK is India’s biggest European research partner, and second-biggest globally, with £400 million joint investment in research and innovation collaboration since 2008. Over 20 per cent&nbsp;of UK research and innovation’s partnership with India is health and wellbeing focused. Through the WHO, the UK is providing technical assistance to bolster the Integrated Health Information Platforms in 20 Indian states; through the International Finance Corporation, we are supporting the establishment a COVID-19 diagnostic network covering 70 million people in Madhya Pradesh. We also have regular channels of communication between scientists and health policy experts in the UK and India on the genomic sequencing of virus variants, informing both sides' understanding of how the virus behaves and how it can be treated.</div>

<p><strong>WION:&nbsp;</strong>How will you characterise the relationship between India and the post-Brexit UK, with Indo pacific tilt? How vital New Delhi is for London?</p>

<p><strong>Alex Ellis:</strong>&nbsp;India is one of our most important partners. There is a high degree of convergence between the UK’s integrated review and India’s priorities for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, anchored by democratic values.&nbsp;As we embark on an intensive period of international leadership — the UK as Presidency of the G7 and COP26, and India on the UN Security Council, as BRICS President and G20 President in 2023 — this is a moment to transform our relationship, address challenges to our security in both the physical and digital worlds, respond to the economic and health impacts of COVID-19 and lay the foundations for a secure and prosperous decade ahead.</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> Boris Johnson is very keen to visit India but the visit got postponed due to Covid crisis. When can he be expected now, since the virtual summit has been announced?</p>

<p><strong>Alex Ellis:&nbsp;</strong>The Prime Minister remains keen to return to India as soon as he is able but obviously paramount at this time for both governments is ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our people. Both our Prime Ministers remain committed to setting out the next decade of the UK-India success story and we expect to see these conversations taking place very soon.</p>
</div>


Calling India "one of (the) most important partners", United Kingdom's High Commissioner Alex Ellis has said that this is a "moment to transform our relationship".

Calling India "one of (the) most important partners", United Kingdom's High Commissioner Alex Ellis has said that this is a "moment to transform our relationship". His comments come ahead of India-UK virtual summit led by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on May 04. Also read | Narendra Modi, Boris Johnson to hold virtual summit on May 04 Speaking exclusively to WION's Sidhant Sibal, HC Ellis highlighted the British assistance to India as it battles the COVID pandemic. "UK has worked with the utmost urgency and speed to support our friends in India", pointing to the "incredible level of support from the wider British public and industry." On April 27, UK became the first country to send anti-Covid assistance to New Delhi. Assistance includes oxygen concentrators, ventilators. London has also announced it will also provide three oxygen generation units, each producing 500 litres of oxygen per minute. Also read | UK to send 1,000 ventilators to India soon: Dominic Raab Previous to the current position, HC Ellis has been the Deputy National Security Adviser for the Integrated Review on diplomacy, development and defence. WION: The UK was the first country to send assistance to India to deal with the Covid pandemic. A lot of solidarity was seen in the UK for India, from the top leadership as well as the people. If u can give some detail on the assistance? Alex Ellis: Across government, the UK has worked with the utmost urgency and speed to support our friends in India, to help relieve the phenomenal pressure the country’s healthcare system is under. The Prime Minister himself made a pledge to do all we can to help. The UK has announced the delivery of vital medical equipment to assist India in its fight against COVID-19. This includes 1,200 ventilators, 495 oxygen concentrators, and three oxygen generation units. The first shipment arrived early on April 27, and that equipment is already being distributed to Indian hospitals. There have been further shipments this week, and more still to come. I am also delighted to see the incredible level of support from the wider British public and industry. From His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales to the diaspora and student communities, everyone is doing their bit to help. Businesses have also mobilised and are working directly with the Indian High Commission in London. The British Asian Trust, for example, has raised over £1.25 million through their emergency appeal. The living bridge we share is truly amazing. WION: How helpful do you see your assistance will be for India? Alex Ellis: As the Prime Minister has said, "we stand side-by-side with India as a friend and partner during what is a deeply concerning time in the fight against COVID-19". Our health secretaries, foreign ministers, and a range of experts from various fields are in regular contact and we will continue working closely with the Government of India to identify the right kind of assistance we can provide. Oxygen is obviously one of the main needs at this time, which is why we announced further support with the three oxygen generation units. These oxygen units are the size of shipping containers — each capable of producing 500 litres of oxygen per minute, enough for 50 people to use at a time. WION: What kind of anti-covid cooperation we can expect between the two, especially on vaccines? Alex Ellis: The importance of our collaboration on researching, developing, and manufacturing a Covid vaccine cannot be understated. The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine was developed with unprecedented speed and made available ‘at cost’ to Serum Institute of India, the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer. This is already a scientific achievement of historic proportions. The UK is India’s biggest European research partner, and second-biggest globally, with £400 million joint investment in research and innovation collaboration since 2008. Over 20 per cent of UK research and innovation’s partnership with India is health and wellbeing focused. Through the WHO, the UK is providing technical assistance to bolster the Integrated Health Information Platforms in 20 Indian states; through the International Finance Corporation, we are supporting the establishment a COVID-19 diagnostic network covering 70 million people in Madhya Pradesh. We also have regular channels of communication between scientists and health policy experts in the UK and India on the genomic sequencing of virus variants, informing both sides' understanding of how the virus behaves and how it can be treated. WION: How will you characterise the relationship between India and the post-Brexit UK, with Indo pacific tilt? How vital New Delhi is for London? Alex Ellis: India is one of our most important partners. There is a high degree of convergence between the UK’s integrated review and India’s priorities for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, anchored by democratic values. As we embark on an intensive period of international leadership — the UK as Presidency of the G7 and COP26, and India on the UN Security Council, as BRICS President and G20 President in 2023 — this is a moment to transform our relationship, address challenges to our security in both the physical and digital worlds, respond to the economic and health impacts of COVID-19 and lay the foundations for a secure and prosperous decade ahead. WION: Boris Johnson is very keen to visit India but the visit got postponed due to Covid crisis. When can he be expected now, since the virtual summit has been announced? Alex Ellis: The Prime Minister remains keen to return to India as soon as he is able but obviously paramount at this time for both governments is ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our people. Both our Prime Ministers remain committed to setting out the next decade of the UK-India success story and we expect to see these conversations taking place very soon.

'One of most important partners', UK envoy Alex Ellis says on Covid aid to India

<p>India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar will visit the United Kingdom tomorrow for the G7 Foreign Minister's meet. The United Kingdom has invited India for an in-person G7 foreign ministers meeting, for which FMs of Australia, South Korea, South Africa, and the Chair and Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have also been invited.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"External Affairs Minister will be visiting London from May&nbsp;3-6,&nbsp;2021 to participate in the G7 Foreign Ministers Meeting, at which India has been invited as a guest country. He will thereafter undertake a bilateral visit to the UK," the ministry of external affairs release said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-to-visit-london-to-discuss-global-medical-supply-chain-in-g7-ministerial-381800" hreflang="en">Jaishankar to visit London to discuss global medical supply chain in G7 ministerial</a></strong></p>

<p>The meet takes place in London from May 3&nbsp;to 5&nbsp;and will be the first physical G7 FMs meet to take place in over two years. The last such G7 FMs meet took place in Dinard and Saint-Malo, France in April 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ahead of the visit, EAM and UK Foreign secretary Dominic Raab both spoke to each other on a range of issues including the ongoing covid pandemic in India. The UK is sending supplies to India to deal with the devastating covid pandemic. These supplies include 495 oxygen concentrators, that can extract oxygen from the air, 120 non-invasive ventilators, and 20 manual ventilators.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-needs-to-take-some-decisions-to-ease-pandemic-situation-381794" hreflang="en">India needs to take some decisions to ease pandemic situation</a></strong></p>

<p>The visit by EAM will not only see him taking part in G7 FMs meet but also many bilaterals as well. US Secretary of state Antony Blinken will also travel to London and a bilateral between the two is likely. This will the first physical meet between the 2 ministers since the new Biden administration took charge.</p>

<p>"Secretary Blinken will attend the G7 Foreign and Development Minister’s Meeting in London, the United Kingdom, from May 3-5, 2021," the US State Department said.</p>

<p>G7 is a grouping of 7 industrialized countries--Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, US &amp; UK - plus the EU. The key focus of the meet obviously will be on the ongoing covid crisis that continues to ravage large parts of the world but also Climate Change with the UK set to host the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) meet later this year.</p>

<p>The meet will also talk about the agenda of the upcoming G7 leaders meet under UK's chairmanship. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to the 47th G7 summit that will take place in Carbis Bay, Cornwall, the UK from 11th to 13th June. India has been regularly invited for the G7 summit since 2019--first by France, then in 2020 by the US, and now by the UK this year. The physical G7 meet last year, under the then US President Donald Trump never happened, for reasons not known but perhaps due to covid pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The then Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was first invited for the G8 grouping in 2005, back then by the UK in Gleneagles. Group became G7 after Russia was "disinvited" in 2014 over the Crimea crisis.</p>


India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar will visit the United Kingdom tomorrow for the G7 Foreign Minister's meet. The United Kingdom has invited India for an in-person G7 foreign ministers meeting, for which FMs of Australia, South Korea, South Africa, and the Chair and Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have also been invited.

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar will visit the United Kingdom tomorrow for the G7 Foreign Minister's meet. The United Kingdom has invited India for an in-person G7 foreign ministers meeting, for which FMs of Australia, South Korea, South Africa, and the Chair and Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have also been invited. "External Affairs Minister will be visiting London from May 3-6, 2021 to participate in the G7 Foreign Ministers Meeting, at which India has been invited as a guest country. He will thereafter undertake a bilateral visit to the UK," the ministry of external affairs release said. Also read | Jaishankar to visit London to discuss global medical supply chain in G7 ministerial The meet takes place in London from May 3 to 5 and will be the first physical G7 FMs meet to take place in over two years. The last such G7 FMs meet took place in Dinard and Saint-Malo, France in April 2019. Ahead of the visit, EAM and UK Foreign secretary Dominic Raab both spoke to each other on a range of issues including the ongoing covid pandemic in India. The UK is sending supplies to India to deal with the devastating covid pandemic. These supplies include 495 oxygen concentrators, that can extract oxygen from the air, 120 non-invasive ventilators, and 20 manual ventilators. Also read | India needs to take some decisions to ease pandemic situation The visit by EAM will not only see him taking part in G7 FMs meet but also many bilaterals as well. US Secretary of state Antony Blinken will also travel to London and a bilateral between the two is likely. This will the first physical meet between the 2 ministers since the new Biden administration took charge. "Secretary Blinken will attend the G7 Foreign and Development Minister’s Meeting in London, the United Kingdom, from May 3-5, 2021," the US State Department said. G7 is a grouping of 7 industrialized countries--Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, US & UK - plus the EU. The key focus of the meet obviously will be on the ongoing covid crisis that continues to ravage large parts of the world but also Climate Change with the UK set to host the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) meet later this year. The meet will also talk about the agenda of the upcoming G7 leaders meet under UK's chairmanship. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to the 47th G7 summit that will take place in Carbis Bay, Cornwall, the UK from 11th to 13th June. India has been regularly invited for the G7 summit since 2019--first by France, then in 2020 by the US, and now by the UK this year. The physical G7 meet last year, under the then US President Donald Trump never happened, for reasons not known but perhaps due to covid pandemic. The then Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was first invited for the G8 grouping in 2005, back then by the UK in Gleneagles. Group became G7 after Russia was "disinvited" in 2014 over the Crimea crisis.

EAM to visit London for the G7 FMs meet tomorrow; meet with US secretary of state likely

<p>India is set to get 5 million doses of Russian Covid vaccine Sputnik V by June, even as the jab is set to be rolled out in the country from the 1st of May.</p>

<p>Sputnik V is the third vaccine India has approved after the University of Oxford- straZeneca vaccine Covisheild and Covaxin, the Indian vaccine manufactured by Bharat Biotech.</p>

<p>Announcing the development, the Indian envoy to Russia Bala Venkatesh Varma said, "We expect between 150,000 to 200,000 ready-made vaccines to be available very quickly in the early part of May. But this will be increased by middle and the latter part of May and perhaps by May itself total Sputnik V Numbers will be probably more than 3 million."</p>

<p>"So, it's a very substantial number. This will steadily increase to 5 million on June, 10 million, correspondingly we wish to take it forward."</p>

<p>Gamaleya Research Institute, which developed the vaccine, has in a recent study said that the jab is effective against mutant forms of the virus.</p>

<p>The arrival of the Sputnik V vaccine coincides with India opening up vaccination for the entire adult population from the 1st of May.</p>

<p>Envoy Venkatesh said Sputnik V "will be providing a contribution to India's vaccination efforts" and "as the scale of vaccination increase in India, its manufacturing will happen".</p>

<p>Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), the country's&nbsp;sovereign wealth fund which&nbsp; funded the vaccine, has signed a pact with five Indian companies to produce 850 million doses of the vaccine.&nbsp;The production begins in May.</p>

<p>The India-produced Russian vaccine will not only be used in India and Russia but will also be exported to third countries.</p>

<p>The envoy highlighted, "We expect, in the months ahead, more than 60-70 % of Sputnik vaccine produced anywhere will be produced in India".</p>

<p>RDIF is in talks with Indian regulators to do a combination of vaccines like&nbsp;AstraZeneca followed by Sputnik V.</p>

<p>The Indian envoy said that while it has not been approved as yet, if that "combination is possible, then that is an additional benefit".</p>

<p>Russia is also expected to announce Sputnik Lite.</p>

<p>Russia extended support to India earlier this week by sending 22 tonnes of grant assistance to deal with the ongoing Covid crisis.</p>

<p>The assistance included 20 oxygen production units, 75 lung ventilators, 150 medical monitors, and 200,000 packs of medicines.</p>

<p>Russian Emergencies Ministry had sent two Il-76 aircraft with supplies, which envoy Venkatesh said "is extremely valued".</p>

<p>This assistance "will live in our memory as one more standing testimony of very close friendship" between India and Russia, he said.</p>

<p>Asked about any travel ban between the two countries amid the Covid crisis in India, the envoy said at present, there is no plan for restricting air travel&nbsp;between India and Russia.</p>

<p>Two flights are being run by Aeroflot and two by Air India between both the countries even as Moscow authorities have taken additional precautions including conducting additional test from travellers coming from India.</p>

<p>Several countries have imposed restrictions on travellers from India due to the Covid crisis.</p>


India is set to get 5 million doses of Russian Covid vaccine Sputnik V by June, even as the jab is set to be rolled out in the country from the 1st of May. Sputnik V is the third vaccine India has approved after the University of Oxford- straZeneca vaccine Covisheild and Covaxin, the Indian vaccine manufactured by Bharat Biotech.

India is set to get 5 million doses of Russian Covid vaccine Sputnik V by June, even as the jab is set to be rolled out in the country from the 1st of May. Sputnik V is the third vaccine India has approved after the University of Oxford- straZeneca vaccine Covisheild and Covaxin, the Indian vaccine manufactured by Bharat Biotech. Announcing the development, the Indian envoy to Russia Bala Venkatesh Varma said, "We expect between 150,000 to 200,000 ready-made vaccines to be available very quickly in the early part of May. But this will be increased by middle and the latter part of May and perhaps by May itself total Sputnik V Numbers will be probably more than 3 million." "So, it's a very substantial number. This will steadily increase to 5 million on June, 10 million, correspondingly we wish to take it forward." Gamaleya Research Institute, which developed the vaccine, has in a recent study said that the jab is effective against mutant forms of the virus. The arrival of the Sputnik V vaccine coincides with India opening up vaccination for the entire adult population from the 1st of May. Envoy Venkatesh said Sputnik V "will be providing a contribution to India's vaccination efforts" and "as the scale of vaccination increase in India, its manufacturing will happen". Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), the country's sovereign wealth fund which funded the vaccine, has signed a pact with five Indian companies to produce 850 million doses of the vaccine. The production begins in May. The India-produced Russian vaccine will not only be used in India and Russia but will also be exported to third countries. The envoy highlighted, "We expect, in the months ahead, more than 60-70 % of Sputnik vaccine produced anywhere will be produced in India". RDIF is in talks with Indian regulators to do a combination of vaccines like AstraZeneca followed by Sputnik V. The Indian envoy said that while it has not been approved as yet, if that "combination is possible, then that is an additional benefit". Russia is also expected to announce Sputnik Lite. Russia extended support to India earlier this week by sending 22 tonnes of grant assistance to deal with the ongoing Covid crisis. The assistance included 20 oxygen production units, 75 lung ventilators, 150 medical monitors, and 200,000 packs of medicines. Russian Emergencies Ministry had sent two Il-76 aircraft with supplies, which envoy Venkatesh said "is extremely valued". This assistance "will live in our memory as one more standing testimony of very close friendship" between India and Russia, he said. Asked about any travel ban between the two countries amid the Covid crisis in India, the envoy said at present, there is no plan for restricting air travel between India and Russia. Two flights are being run by Aeroflot and two by Air India between both the countries even as Moscow authorities have taken additional precautions including conducting additional test from travellers coming from India. Several countries have imposed restrictions on travellers from India due to the Covid crisis.

5 million doses of Russian Covid vaccine Sputnik V in India by June, says Indian envoy to Russia Venkatesh Varma

<div>Nearly 40 countries have come out to help India as it battles the devastating covid crisis, with a focus on getting liquid oxygen, oxygen generating equipment, tankers, and medicines. The assistance is a mix of a grant, procuring on the government to government basis, cooperates both international and India, and Indian community associations.&nbsp;</div>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

<div>"There has been an outpouring of solidarity with India, the outpouring of assistance. Over 40 countries, integrated into supply chains globally, have been sourcing equipment..from their sources of supply,"&nbsp;Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla told local reporters.&nbsp;</div>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

<div><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senators-urge-pfizer-jj-moderna-to-help-india-in-covid-crisis-381363" hreflang="en">US senators urge Pfizer, J&amp;J, Moderna to help India in Covid crisis</a></strong></div>

<div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>

<div>In the next few days, India is expected to get&nbsp;550 oxygen generating plants, 4,000&nbsp;oxygen concentrators, 10,000 oxygen cylinders and 17 cryogenic oxygen tankers.</div>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

<div>India will also&nbsp;be getting 450,000 doses of Remdesivir from Gilead Sciences, 300,000 doses of Favipiravir from countries such as Russia and UAE.&nbsp;India is trying to procure&nbsp;Remdesivir&nbsp;from Egypt (400,000 doses), Bangladesh, Uzbekistan and UAE.</div>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

<div><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-crisis-like-in-india-could-happen-anywhere-warns-who-381419" hreflang="en">Covid crisis like in India could 'happen anywhere', warns WHO</a></strong></div>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

<div>"What we want to make sure is that all this equipment that is consigned to India, the government of India is expeditiously cleared. There are blanket exemptions from the different taxes, custom duties they would have to normally undergo of such items are coming to India"</div>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

<div>Large support is coming from the four countries of the gulf — UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia. A special cargo flight will come&nbsp;from UAE later today with ventilators and&nbsp;Favipiravir. The country will also ship 140 MT of&nbsp;liquid&nbsp;oxygen.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

<div><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/women-lost-nearly-800-billion-in-income-due-to-coronavirus-pandemic-381418" hreflang="en">Women lost nearly $800 billion in income due to coronavirus pandemic</a></strong></div>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

<div>In addition to this, Bahrain will be sending 40 MT of assistance in the form of a gift. This shipment will be sent using Indian Navy ships already in the region and will arrive by tomorrow.&nbsp;When it comes to Kuwait, the country will send, 185 Metric Tonnes of liquid medical oxygen in seven ISO tanks of 20 MT capacity and three semi-trailers of 25 MT capacity each, 1,000 oxygen cylinders, oxygen concentrators.&nbsp;They have ALSI indicated that they would be able to refill the aforementioned ISO tanks/ semi-trailers at least seven times.</div>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

<div>Bangladesh has also announced its support to India and will be sending 10,000 vials of injectable anti-viral, oral anti-viral, 30,000 PPE kits, and several thousand zinc, calcium, vitamin C and other necessary tablets.</div>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

<div>A release from the country's foreign ministry said, "Bangladesh stands in solidarity with close neighbor India at this critical moment and is ready to provide and mobilise support in every possible way to save lives."&nbsp;In the neighborhood, Bhutan will be supplying 40 MT of liquid oxygen and&nbsp;Mauritius has gifted 200 oxygen concentrators.</div>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

<div>The Norwegian government has announced a contribution of 2.4 mn USD towards COVID relief in India, to be channeled through the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). "We send our deepest sympathies and support to all our Indian friends...We stand with you in this time of crisis, with the hope that the second wave will recede soon,"&nbsp;Norwegian Ambassador to India, Hans Jacob Frydenlund said.</div>
</div>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

<div>Meanwhile, Romania became the first European Union member country to deliver urgent support of 80 oxygen concentrators and 75 oxygen cylinders to India via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. The equipment was brought by a Romanian military aircraft.&nbsp;The Romanian foreign ministry in a release said, "Romanian people hearts and prayers are with the Indian people in those very difficult moments."&nbsp;Ireland will be next to send 700 oxygen concentrators.&nbsp;</div>

<div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>

<div>The first flight to India of assistance from the international community was from the UK on April 27, followed by Russia on April 29. The US assistance comes on Friday, the French support comes on Saturday.&nbsp;</div>
</div>


Nearly 40 countries have come out to help India as it battles the devastating covid crisis, with a focus on getting liquid oxygen, oxygen generating equipment, tankers, and medicines.

Nearly 40 countries have come out to help India as it battles the devastating covid crisis, with a focus on getting liquid oxygen, oxygen generating equipment, tankers, and medicines. The assistance is a mix of a grant, procuring on the government to government basis, cooperates both international and India, and Indian community associations. "There has been an outpouring of solidarity with India, the outpouring of assistance. Over 40 countries, integrated into supply chains globally, have been sourcing equipment..from their sources of supply," Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla told local reporters. Also read | US senators urge Pfizer, J&J, Moderna to help India in Covid crisis In the next few days, India is expected to get 550 oxygen generating plants, 4,000 oxygen concentrators, 10,000 oxygen cylinders and 17 cryogenic oxygen tankers. India will also be getting 450,000 doses of Remdesivir from Gilead Sciences, 300,000 doses of Favipiravir from countries such as Russia and UAE. India is trying to procure Remdesivir from Egypt (400,000 doses), Bangladesh, Uzbekistan and UAE. Also read | Covid crisis like in India could 'happen anywhere', warns WHO "What we want to make sure is that all this equipment that is consigned to India, the government of India is expeditiously cleared. There are blanket exemptions from the different taxes, custom duties they would have to normally undergo of such items are coming to India" Large support is coming from the four countries of the gulf — UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia. A special cargo flight will come from UAE later today with ventilators and Favipiravir. The country will also ship 140 MT of liquid oxygen. Also read | Women lost nearly $800 billion in income due to coronavirus pandemic In addition to this, Bahrain will be sending 40 MT of assistance in the form of a gift. This shipment will be sent using Indian Navy ships already in the region and will arrive by tomorrow. When it comes to Kuwait, the country will send, 185 Metric Tonnes of liquid medical oxygen in seven ISO tanks of 20 MT capacity and three semi-trailers of 25 MT capacity each, 1,000 oxygen cylinders, oxygen concentrators. They have ALSI indicated that they would be able to refill the aforementioned ISO tanks/ semi-trailers at least seven times. Bangladesh has also announced its support to India and will be sending 10,000 vials of injectable anti-viral, oral anti-viral, 30,000 PPE kits, and several thousand zinc, calcium, vitamin C and other necessary tablets. A release from the country's foreign ministry said, "Bangladesh stands in solidarity with close neighbor India at this critical moment and is ready to provide and mobilise support in every possible way to save lives." In the neighborhood, Bhutan will be supplying 40 MT of liquid oxygen and Mauritius has gifted 200 oxygen concentrators. The Norwegian government has announced a contribution of 2.4 mn USD towards COVID relief in India, to be channeled through the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). "We send our deepest sympathies and support to all our Indian friends...We stand with you in this time of crisis, with the hope that the second wave will recede soon," Norwegian Ambassador to India, Hans Jacob Frydenlund said. Meanwhile, Romania became the first European Union member country to deliver urgent support of 80 oxygen concentrators and 75 oxygen cylinders to India via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. The equipment was brought by a Romanian military aircraft. The Romanian foreign ministry in a release said, "Romanian people hearts and prayers are with the Indian people in those very difficult moments." Ireland will be next to send 700 oxygen concentrators. The first flight to India of assistance from the international community was from the UK on April 27, followed by Russia on April 29. The US assistance comes on Friday, the French support comes on Saturday.

India covid crisis: Outpouring of solidarity by international community, says FS Shringla

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