Just as India sent assistance to the United States as our hospitals were strained early in the pandemic, we are determined to help India in its time of need. https://t.co/SzWRj0eP3y
— President Biden (@POTUS) April 25, 2021
US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have assured India and its people that the US will provide all necessary assistance, including the urgent delivery of life-saving medical supplies and equipment, to assist the country in combating the deadly coronavirus crisis.
“Just as India sent aid to the United States when our hospitals were overburdened early in the pandemic, we are determined to assist India in its hour of need,” Joe Biden said in a tweet.
During an alarming COVID-19 outbreak, the US is collaborating closely with the Indian government to rapidly deploy additional support and supplies. As we help, we pray for the people of India, including its brave healthcare workers,” Kamala Harris said in a tweet.
The U.S. is working closely with the Indian government to rapidly deploy additional support and supplies during an alarming COVID-19 outbreak. As we provide assistance, we pray for the people of India—including its courageous healthcare workers.
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) April 25, 2021
The tweets are the top American leaders’ first reactions to the recent outbreak of the deadly COVID19 pandemic in India. Friends of India in the United States, including some of their own party leaders, have chastised the two for their slow response to their natural ally.
Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman stated that she has been in close contact with Foreign Secretary Harshvardhan Shringla and India’s Ambassador to the United States Taranjit Singh Sandhu on the matter in recent days.
On Sunday, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke with his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval, during which the White House announced that medical supplies and equipment are being sent urgently to India in order to save lives.
The Indian-American community, which had previously criticized the Biden administration, applauded the move. Taranjit Singh Sandhu expressed gratitude to both US Secretary of State Tony Blinken and Sullivan for their prompt responses. “Thank you for reaching out and offering your assistance, Sullivan. We will fight the global pandemic by working together! “He stated this in a tweet.
“This is a difficult time for the Indian people, and it highlights the ongoing threat posed by COVID-19. These new strains of the virus are extremely concerning and could pose a threat here in the United States and around the world if we do not do everything possible to contain the virus and its new variants “He stated.