called a Commonwealth Secretariat rapid response meeting to consider what practical support the Commonwealth Secretariat and our member countries might offer together to be able to help you with your heavy burden,” she added.
“As a family of nations, we value our brothers and sisters in India and we, along with the wider Indian diaspora, all of whom have family and friends affected, share your anguish at the impact of this devastating and terrible disease and commit to supporting the Government and people of India in any way possible.”
Meanwhile, several countries from around the world, including the US and the UK, have pledged to assist the South Asian nation in response to the crisis.
According to Britain’s Foreign Office minister Nigel Adams, the United Kingdom has been the “first out of the blocks” with help for India, as the country shipped out 495 oxygen concentrators and 200 ventilators, and other medical supplies to New Delhi. Adams noted that the UK will not be sending vaccines, as the country has already donated to the World Health Organisation’s Covax scheme. The minister added that oxygen cylinders were also not being sent, since the Indian government said replenishment was not compatible with Indian systems.
Meanwhile, the United States has also pledged to send medical supplies worth more than $100m to India to fight the rapid surge of infections. According to the White House, the shipments, which will begin arriving on Thursday, will include 1,000 oxygen cylinders, 1 million rapid diagnostic tests and 15 million N95 masks.
