COVID-19: US to ship 1st batch of 100 ventilators to India next week

The United States (US) will send the very first batch of 100 donated ventilators to India next week, for treating COVID-19 patients, US President Donald Trump told Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a conference call. The White House said that Donald Trump spoke with PM Modi on Tuesday (June 2) and the two leaders discussed on COVID-19 response, the G-7 (summit), and the regional security issues.

According to the White House, the US president was happy to announce that the US will be ready to ship the first tranche of 100 ventilators by next week. Earlier in the day, PM Modi posted on Twitter that he had a productive and warm conversation with his ‘friend’ Donald Trump.

PM Modi also wrote that the richness and depth of India-US consultations will continue to remain a necessary pillar in the the post COVID-19 global architecture. President Trump also spoke about the US presidency of the Group of seven. He also said that he desires to expand the ambit of the grouping beyond the existing membership, and to include other important countries including India.

PM Modi said that in this context, Trump extended an invitation to Modi himself, to attend the next G-7 summit which is to be held in USA. PM Modi praised President Trump for his far-sighted and creative approach, acknowledging the that such an expanded forum would be in coordination with the emerging realities of the post COVID-19 world.

Additionally, Modi said that India would be happy to work with the US and other countries for a successful summit. PM Modi also conveyed his wishes for an early resolution of the ongoing civil disturbances in the US.