Arrival of First Shipments of American Medical Aid to India

The first shipments of American medical aid have arrived in India, which is experiencing a huge surge in COVID-19 infections and deaths. A military cargo plane, "Super Galaxy," landed with over 400 oxygen cylinders, along with other hospital equipment and nearly one million rapid testing kits for the coronavirus at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, as the Indian capital faces an unprecedented health crisis. India is currently witnessing a record pandemic spread with over 370,000 infections and 3,600 deaths daily. Several countries have pledged to provide extensive international practical assistance. The delivery of American medical supplies was made on a plane that took off from Travis Air Force Base in California, following discussions earlier this week between U.S. President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price stated on Thursday that "the United States is delivering shipments valued at over $100 million to provide urgent assistance in the coming days to our partners in India." American officials confirmed that special flights carrying donated equipment from individuals and companies will continue next week.