Romania steps up to help India combat COVID-19, dispatches essential medical supplies

With outpouring of solidarity from partner countries, in view of India's tussle with COVID-19 infections, Romania stepped forward to provide medical aid and supplies. An aircraft with 80 oxygen concentrators, 75 oxygen cylinders and 20 high- flow oxygen rapy equipment took off from Bucharest, Romania on Thursday.

Embassy of Romania in India said that medical consignment was expected to arrive in New Delhi by tonight. y said, 

" aircraft took off in afternoon on April 28 from Bucharest and will arrive tonight in New Delhi."

assistance was sent by Romania's Department for Emergencies, through its Foundation for Emergency Response (SMURD Foundation). Romania has offered humanitarian assistance to India, pursuant to a request dressed to  European Union by India. Romania expressed its solidarity and joined European and international efforts to support India which has confronted unprecedented circumstance due to a surge in COVID-19 cases.

Romanian Ambassor to India, Daniela Sezonov Tane said in his statements, 

" support offered by my country reflects excellent bilateral relations we have with India, through existing Extended Partnership signed in 2013. medical field is one of main domains of cooperation, with special relevance in moments of crisis as one we are facing now." She ded , "Our solidarity manifested during this unprecedented critical moment for Indian people represents anor confirmation for Romania's engagement in strengning and extending our relation with India - key partner for Romania and European Union in Indo-Pacific region, as it was underscored by EU Council Conclusions from April 19 dedicated to a strategic approach on Indo- Pacific."

Romanian medical supplies are amongst first to arrive in New Delhi and will be followed by ditional medical services and equipment shipped by or European Union Member States within Union Civil Protection Mechanism as consolidated efforts of Team Europe. Romania Foreign Affairs Ministry stated, 

" Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania reiterates on this occasion importance of global partnerships anchored in common values overwhelmingly relevant in this pandemic context, for our resilience and for combating virus. Through our support we want to contribute to international effort to help Indian people in need."

COVID-19 tally in India

In last 24 hours, India's clocked 3,79,257 fresh COVID-19 cases with 2,69,507 recoveries and 3,645 fatalities, taking cumulative caselo to 1,83,76,524 cases and death toll to 2,04,832. Total COVID-19 active cases in India have now mounted to 30,84,814. 

(Inputs from ANI)