Covid Crisis: China Assures Support To India With Timely Supplies, Calls Pandemic 'Common Enemy Of Mankind'

The Indian and Chinese Foreign Ministers spoke about Coronavirus Crisis, supply permissions and LAC disengagement.

Representative Photo: Getty Images

New Delhi: China on Friday expressed support to India in the battle against Coronavirus pandemic while assuring that it would do everything to help the neighboring country.

An official statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs said that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had a phone conversation with the State Councilor and Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi on Friday evening.

"The call was arranged at the request of the Chinese side to convey their sympathy and solidarity with India at this juncture," the statement read.

After expressing gratitude for the concern shown by Wang Yi, Jaishankar stressed that serious challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic, which has adversely affected all countries, require serious international cooperation.

China had earlier suspended its state-run cargo flights for medical supplies to India while Coronavirus cases surged in the country.

While Indian entities are already in the process of procuring required taw materials from suppliers in China commercially, the Indian foreign minister said that this process would be facilitated if various transport corridors and cargo flights remain open and the necessary logistics support is also ensured.

Jaishankar informed Wang Yi about the ongoing efforts taken up to tackle the second wave of Coronavirus pandemic in India. He said that the government is fully determined to do whatever is necessary to overcome this challenge.

Wang Yi described Covid-19 "as a common enemy of mankind" while agreeing that there was a need for "coordination on a concerted response".

Wang Yi told Jaishankar that China supports the efforts of the Indian government and would ensure that all required materials are flown to the country without any delay, the ministry statement informed.

It further stated that the Chinese companies would be encouraged and supported to deliver the requisite materials. Airports, customs, and airlines would also be instructed to facilitate smooth and timely movement of goods.

Chartered flights from India would also be welcome and specific concerns raised by India will be sorted out quickly. The Chinese Foreign Minister also offered to provide any other appropriate assistance required.

Besides the Coronavirus crisis, the issues related to disengagement from all friction points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh were also discussed.

S Jaishankar stated that the process of disengagement remained unfinished after having commenced earlier this year. He further stressed that it was necessary that this process is completed at the earliest.

Full restoration of peace and tranquility in the border areas would enable progress in the bilateral relationship, he said. The two ministers agreed to continue the dialogue on this matter at the official level.

Their conversation concluded with a brief discussion on the BRICS and RIC meetings of foreign ministers, which are slated to take place in the near future under the Indian Chair. Wang Yi has confirmed his participation at these events.

(With Agency Inputs)