Beginning tomorrow (Tuesday, 4
May 2021), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will begin a comprehensive
delivery of medical equipment as aid to India, in light of the severe
coronavirus crisis the country is facing. The delivery of the medical aid,
which will be transferred to India by air through a series of flights
throughout the week, is the result of the MFA’s work in cooperation with
the National Security Council, Health Ministry, Finance Ministry, and
Control Center, together with full coordination with the Indian government
through Israel’s embassy in New Delhi and the Indian embassy in Israel.
The assistance package will
include thousands of group and individual oxygen generators – which are
needed immediately in the Indian health system – respirators, medications,
and additional medical equipment.
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Gabi Ashkenazi: “The extension of emergency assistance is an expression of
the deep friendship between our countries, in India’s time of need. This is
the true meaning of the mutual guarantee so needed during this period of the
global coronavirus crisis. Israel and India share strategic ties that span
a wide range of political, security, and economic issues. India is one of
the most important countries for Israel in the international arena, and
particularly in the Asia-Pacific arena. I would like to thank all of the
participants in Israel, the Ministries of Finance and Health, the Foreign
Ministry’s staff and embassy in New Delhi, and the civilian organizations
that took part in this large-scale operation that will save lives and strengthen
the important friendship with the people of India”.
This operation was made
possible thanks to the work carried out by the Foreign Ministry’s
Asia-Pacific Division and the Israeli Embassy in India. The Economic
Division at the Israeli MFA, in conjunction with key economic organizations
including the Israel-India Chamber of Commerce, the Israel-Asia Chamber of
Commerce, the Manufacturers Association of Israel, the Federation of
Israeli Chambers of Commerce, the Israel Export Institute, and Start-Up
Nation Central, who answered the call for Israeli companies working with
India and joined Israel’s aid effort.
Amdocs has
announced their donation of 150 oxygen generators, which will be
transferred to India as part of the Israeli aid package.
The Joint Distribution
Committee (JDC) has also joined Israel’s aid effort and will donate oxygen
generators and other needed equipment, which will be delivered to those in
need in India, including the small Jewish community in Mumbai.
We recall that, at the
beginning of the coronavirus crisis last year, India mobilized to assist
Israel, and within this framework approved the air delivery of masks,
globes, and raw materials for medications to Israel, and also helped
arrange the repatriation of Israeli citizens.
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