Determined to Help India in Its Hour of Need: US VP Kamala Harris

File photo of Kamala Harris.

(Photo Courtesy: @KamalaHarris/Twitter)

Video Editor: Mayank Chawla
Video Producer: Riniki Sanyal

United States Vice President Kamala Harris on Friday, 7 May, delivered a statement of solidarity with India, stating that the United States is determined to help India in its hour of need as the country witnesses a surge of COVID-19 infections.

“The surge of COVID-19 infections and deaths in India is nothing short of heartbreaking. To those of you who have lost loved ones, I send my deepest condolences,” Vice President Harris said.

Harris said that as soon as the dire nature of situation became apparent, the US administration took action.

“On Monday, 26 April, President Joe Biden spoke with the Prime Minister (PM Modi) to offer our support. By Friday, 30 April, military members of the United States and civilians were delivering relief on the ground,” she said at an online event organised by the US state department, according to ANI.

‘We Do This As Friends of India’

Harris went on to detail the aid US had already delivered to India, which includes refillable oxygen cylinders, oxygen concentrators, N95 masks, as well as doses of Remdesivir to treat COVID patients. More of these medical supplies will be delivered to India, she added.

“At the beginning of the pandemic, when our hospital beds were stretched, India sent assistance. Today, we’re determined to help India in its hour of need. We do this as friends of India, as members of Asian Quad and as part of the global community,” Harris said.

She also spoke about the US’ decision to extend full support for suspending patents on COVID-19 vaccines, a move which she said would help India and other nations vaccinate their people more quickly, reported ANI.

Harris was sworn-in as the 49th Vice President of the United States on 20 January, 2021. In a statement after the ceremony, the White House said that the relationship between India and the United States has been further cemented with Harris as the vice president of the country.

India is witnessing an unprecedented surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths as it battles a crushing second wave countrywide. Coupled with the surge, India has also been facing a shortage of vaccines and oxygen.

(With inputs from ANI.)