UAE sends oxygen containers to India to help in time of need

India set a global record for daily coronavirus cases for fifth day in a row on Monday

India sent a military aircraft to the UAE to transport oxygen containers back for use in its hospitals.

The aircraft flew six empty cryogenic containers from Dubai on Monday, according to media reports in India.

The containers will be used to store liquid oxygen that will go on to be used to help patients with Covid-19 to breathe.

India set a world record for daily coronavirus case numbers for a fifth day in a row on Monday, with 352,991 new cases.

Deaths rose by a record 2,812 to reach a total of 195,123.

Experts say India's toll could be a huge undercount, as suspected cases are not included and many deaths from the infection are being attributed to underlying conditions. AP

The sharp increase in cases has created a severe shortage of hospital beds, oxygen and medicines, leading to scenes of people dying outside treatment centres and overwhelmed crematoriums and cemeteries.

The crisis has prompted an outpouring of international support, with offers to supply drugs, equipment and oxygen to the country.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, assured India of the UAE’s support on Sunday.

He expressed the UAE's "keenness to dedicate all resources” to help in a phone call with Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, India’s Minister of External Affairs.

Landmarks in the UAE were lit up in the colours of the Indian flag on Sunday in a show of solidarity.

"We stand with India in the face of the difficult conditions of the epidemic and we are guided in our positions and stands by our Islamic and humanitarian values," Dr Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to President Sheikh Khalifa, said in a tweet on Monday.

On Saturday, Saudi Arabia sent 80 metric tonnes of oxygen to India.

“Our heartfelt thanks to Ministry of Health, kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for all their help, support and co-operation,” the Indian embassy in Riyadh said on Twitter

The US said it would provide urgently needed vaccine ingredients and medical supplies, while Germany started to deliver mobile oxygen generation plants, and the UK provided ventilators.

Both China and Australia are in talks with Indian officials about how they can provide help.

Pakistan is also sending medical equipment to its neighbour.