Handover of Humanitarian Assistance to Support India’s Efforts to Overcome Covid-19, 28 April 2021

The Singapore Government has sent a consignment of oxygen cylinders to support India’s pandemic response. The Republic of Singapore Air Force will transport the cylinders on board two C-130 aircraft from Singapore to West Bengal, India.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Education and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Maliki Osman handed over Singapore’s humanitarian assistance to India to High Commissioner of the Republic of India P Kumaran earlier today at Paya Lebar Air Base. In his remarks, Minister Maliki reaffirmed the strong bilateral relations and highlighted that Singaporeans stand in solidarity with our friends in India in their fight against the pandemic. This initiative, arranged at short notice, is testament to the close collaboration and partnership across multiple agencies on both sides.

This initiative complements the numerous relief efforts and contributions in Singapore to bring humanitarian relief to India in this time of need.

The transcript of Minister Maliki’s remarks is enclosed.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

28 APRIL 2021

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MINISTER IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE, SECOND MINISTER FOR EDUCATION AND SECOND MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS DR MALIKI OSMAN’S REMARKS AT THE CEREMONY FOR THE HANDOVER OF HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE TO INDIA, PAYA LEBAR AIR BASE, 28 APRIL 2021 AT 0800 HRS

High Commissioner Kumaran, ladies and gentlemen, a very good morning. Thank you for being here this morning to witness the handover of two planeloads of oxygen-related humanitarian assistance to support India’s ongoing fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. I would just like to make a couple of points.

First, we have all witnessed in the past year how this pandemic is a transboundary threat. It gives no regard for country, nationality, or race. This is exactly why we must work collectively to support each other.

Second, what we see here today is a testament to the excellent relations between Singapore and India. This is made possible because of the existing close relationship between our two peoples, our governments, and our countries. I would like to thank the government of India for continuing to work with Singapore throughout this pandemic, keeping the supply chains open and essential goods flowing.

Third, I have no doubt that the fighting spirit of the Indian people will prevail. We have witnessed India’s immense capabilities in mobilising her people and resources when challenges arise. While our contribution is modest, we hope that it will bring comfort and relief to those in need and encourage those on the frontline in India, who are working tirelessly, to fight on.

In addition, we hope that this will add momentum to the work undertaken by Singaporeans, our private entities, our civil society organisations, including the Singapore Red Cross, to contribute to India’s efforts against COVID-19.

In closing, we wish India success in her fight against the pandemic. Thank you.

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Photo Caption: Second Minister Maliki Osman and Indian High Commissioner P Kumaran at the ceremony for the handover of humanitarian assistance to India at Paya Lebar Air Base.

Photo Credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore

Photo Caption: Second Minister Maliki Osman and Indian High Commissioner P Kumaran interacting with the Republic of Singapore Air Force crew involved in the operations.

Photo Credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore

Photo Caption: Second Minister Maliki Osman and Indian High Commissioner P Kumaran with the oxygen cylinders, which will be sent to India.

Photo Credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore

Photo Caption: Part of the oxygen cylinder consignment being loaded into the Republic of Singapore Air Force C-130 aircraft.

Photo Credit: Ministry of Defence