India Covid crisis: 12 countries that have offered aid

Delhi - Coronavirus infections set to a worldwide record for the fifth straight day on Monday.

Nations across the globe have stepped up to offer humanitarian aid for India's battle against a coronavirus crisis that drove its infections to a worldwide record for the fifth straight day on Monday.

The "storm" of infections had shaken India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said, as hospitals turn away patients after running out of medical oxygen and beds, prompting a scramble by relatives for supplies of the life-saving gas.

Here are countries that have offered help:

1. China

China is willing to help India as it fights a surge in coronavirus cases, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Thursday.

“The Chinese government and people firmly support the Indian government and people in fighting the coronavirus. China is ready to provide support and help according to India’s needs, and is in communication with the Indian side on this,” foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian had said on April 22.

However, although the country was first to offer support, in the latest update, state-run Sichuan Airlines said it was suspending all cargo flights to India for 15 days in order to reduce the number of imported cases into the country.

2. UAE

The government is in talks for the import of high-capacity oxygen-carrying tankers from UAE. The Union Home Ministry is coordinating lifting of high-capacity tankers from abroad, including Singapore and the UAE, by Indian Air Force transport planes, the statement said.

On Monday, Indian Air Force's C-17 aircraft reached Dubai to airlift more empty O2 containers to supplement efforts to enhance oxygen availability. The effort was co-ordinated by Ministry of Home Affairs.

Also read: UAE to dedicate all resources to help India

3. Singapore

With several states flagging scarcity of medical oxygen amid a surge in Covid-19 infections, the Indian government has been in talks for the import of high-capacity oxygen-carrying tankers from Singapore .

On April 24, Singapore's diplomatic missions announced that the country had sent four cryogenic oxygen containers to India.

4. Russia

Russia has reportedly pledged to fly special planes with a wide range of Covid-related assistance, including oxygen generators and concentrators, as well as drugs needed to treat patients.

According to several Indian media reports, the assistance could begin to arrive this week.

5. Pakistan

Pakistan offered on April 24 to provide relief support to India, including ventilators, Bi-PAP, digital X-ray machines, PPEs and related items needed to fight the pandemic.

"The concerned authorities of Pakistan and India can work out modalities for quick delivery of the relief items. They can also explore possible ways of further cooperation to mitigate the challenges posed by the pandemic," Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri, the spokesperson for Pakistan's foreign office said, on the entity's official Twitter account.

6. Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia shipped 80 metric tonnes of liquid oxygen to India, it was announced on April 25.

“Embassy of India is proud to partner with Adani group and M/s Linde in shipping much-needed 80MT liquid oxygen to India. Our heartfelt thanks to the Ministry of Health Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for all their help, support, and cooperation,” the Indian mission in Riyadh tweeted.

7. United Kingdom

Britain on April 25 sent more than 600 medical devices, including oxygen concentrators and ventilators to India.