COVID-19: Taiwan delivers medical supplies to India

New Delhi, May 2 (PTI) Taiwan on Sunday delivered to India 150 oxygen concentrators and 500 oxygen cylinders to assist country in its fight against a devastating second wave of coronavirus pandemic.

Taipei Economic and Cultural Center (TECC) said more batches of medical equipment and supplies will be airlifted to India soon.

"To express strong friendship with India in its fight against a new wave of Covid-19 pandemic, Taiwan is delivering critical medical supplies to India. first batch of 150 oxygen concentrators and 500 oxygen cylinders have arrived in New Delhi on Sunday," TECC said.

TECC is Taiwan's representative office in India.

"On behalf of government of Taiwan, Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in India wishes to reaffirm friendly bilateral relations between Taiwan and India," it said in a statement.

"Taiwan's deployment of medical supplies is testament to close collaboration and partnership across multiple agencies on both sides. It also reflects robust relief efforts and contributions me by government and people of Taiwan to bring humanitarian relief to India," it said.

India does not have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, but both sides have tre and people-to-people ties. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory.

Taiwan's aid to India came amid reports of violations of Taiwan's airspace by Chinese military jets.

"While contribution is modest, we hope that it will bring comfort and relief to patients in need and ease burden on healthcare workers who are working tirelessly to fight pandemic," TECC said.

It said President Tsai Ing-wen on April 27 conveyed solidarity with India and expressed deep concern about country's situation.

"As India logged a record-breaking daily surge of coronavirus infection for consecutive days, Tsai said that Taiwan 'stand with India' during this difficult time while offering to provide help," TECC said.

Meanwhile, Uzbekistan too supplied 100 oxygen concentrators as well as remdesivir and or medicines to India.

As India battles a devastating second wave of coronavirus pandemic, several countries around world are sending medical supplies to help it tide over situation.

leing countries that have announced assistance to India include US, Russia, France, Germany, Australia, Ireland, Belgium, Romania, Luxembourg, Singapore, Portugal, Sweden, New Zealand, Kuwait and Mauritius.

Some of countries have alrey delivered supplies. PTI MPB SNE