New Delhi: In a unique gesture to India during the ongoing pandemic crisis, Niagara Falls in Canada was lit up in orange, white and green, the colours of India’s national flag. This was done with a ‘Stay Strong India’ message, diplomatic sources said.
This was to “display solidarity” with India, which is currently facing a surge in cases and losses of life resulting from the COVID-19, a message from Niagara Parks said. In a message in the micro blogging site, Indian Consulate General office in Toronto thanked concerned authorities for the unique gesture and support. “We deeply appreciate this gesture at this critical juncture,” the message said.
Niagara Falls, Ontario, is a Canadian city at the famous waterfalls of the same name, linked with the US by the Rainbow Bridge.
Meanwhile, shipments of oxygen concentrators, ventilators and other medical supplies from the United Kingdom and Russia arrived in India.
“A longstanding and time-tested partner! Grateful for shipment of oxygen concentrators, ventilators and other medical supplies that arrived from Russia this morning in two aircrafts,” tweeted MEA spokesman Arindam Bagchi.
Russian foreign ministry sources said, flights of the Russian Emergencies Ministry delivered over 22 tonnes of necessary equipment, such as 20 oxygen production units, 75 lung ventilators, 150 medical monitors and 200,000 packs of medicine.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held crucial telephonic discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In another missive, the MEA spokesman said, “Cooperation with the UK continues. Welcome another shipment from the United Kingdom containing 120 oxygen concentrators that arrived early this morning”.
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Wednesday held a virtual conference with all Indian Ambassadors across the world. Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan and Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla also attended.
“Heard from them the enormous goodwill and support for India in combating COVID. The Vaccine Maitri has certainly strengthened global solidarity with India,” Dr Jaishankar said.
He further said, the envoys and MEA leadership discussed the logistics of urgently-needed oxygen and medical supplies. “Team MEA is working as one to meet this challenge,” he said.
Mauritius also gifted 200 oxygen concentrators.
The shipments from the US are expected to arrive on Friday.
A number of leading countries including the US, Russia, France, Germany, Australia, Ireland, Belgium, Romania, Luxembourg, Singapore, Portugal, Sweden, New Zealand, Kuwait and Mauritius have announced medical assistance to India to help it fight the pandemic.
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