New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has told the Congress party that giving away “unsolicited” oxygen cylinders to the Philippine embassy or anyone else for “cheap publicity” is simply appalling.
“MEA checked with the Philippines Embassy. This was an unsolicited supply as they had no Covid cases. Clearly for cheap publicity by you know who. Giving away cylinders like this when there are people in desperate need of oxygen is simply appalling,” he tweeted in response to a missive from Congress MP Jairam Ramesh who had taken credit for the Youth Congress to have delivered Oxygen to the Philippines embassy.
“Jairamji, MEA never sleeps; our people know across the world. MEA also never fakes; we know who does,” the Minister wrote.
Meanwhile, the Ministry has announced that Dr Jaishankar will be visiting London from May 3 to 6 to participate in the G-7 Foreign Ministers Meeting. “India has been invited as a guest country,” a source said.
In a statement, MEA said during his stay in London besides attending the G-7 meet, Dr Jaishankar will hold a Virtual Summit with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson on May 4, Tuesday.
“India and the UK enjoy a Strategic Partnership since 2004. It has been marked by regular high level exchanges and growing convergences in diverse areas. The Summit will be an important opportunity to elevate our multi-faceted strategic ties and enhance cooperation on regional and global issues of mutual interest,” the statement said.
Both the leaders will also discuss Covid19 cooperation and the global efforts to fight the pandemic.
A comprehensive Roadmap 2030 will be launched during the Summit, which will pave the way for further expanding and deepening India-UK cooperation on matters of trade, defence and security, climate action and healthcare.
