India sends humanitarian food aid to African countries battered by Corona Crisis

New Delhi: – India has sent food grains on a large scale to the African countries against the background of Coronavirus pandemic and the natural calamities. The foreign ministry informed that 250 metric tonnes of food grain has been sent to Sudan, South Sudan, Djibouti and Eretria aboard INS Airawat of the Indian Navy. It was clarified that these countries have suffered colossal losses because of natural calamities, following the Coronavirus pandemic and therefore India is sending this aid on humanitarian grounds. Even in the past, India had sent medical assistance to these African countries for fighting the Coronavirus pandemic and had brought the Indian citizens stranded in these countries, back to the homeland.

INS Airawat left from the Mumbai port for Sudan, South Sudan, Djibouti and Eretria, on 24th of October. The ship is carrying 155 tonnes of flour, 65 tonnes of rice and 50 tonnes of sugar. The ship will dock at Djibouti, Masawa, Port Sudan and Mombasa ports. The foreign ministry statement read that the relations between India and the African countries have strengthened over centuries with conscious efforts. Therefore, India has always stood behind the African countries and their citizens. India has always cooperated for their development and even on humanitarian grounds.

India has provided aid to 13 African countries on humanitarian grounds, during the Coronavirus pandemic. India sent essential medicines, injections, thermometers, Chloroquine, Paracetamol, a hundred thousand units of Ibuprofen and two hundred thousand units of antibiotics. Only last month a virtual meeting was held between India and the African countries. India assured during the meeting that India will prove to be a trusted and strong partner for the African continent. Against this background, the aid sent by India becomes important.

Over the last two decades, China has successfully increased its influence in the African continent, making huge investments. The humanitarian aid goes to show that India seems to be taking rapid steps to strengthen its foothold in the African continent, as this Chinese influence is being jolted against the background of Coronavirus.