Vietnam has offered Covid-19 relief to Indians with an aim to share difficulties that place a burden on the South Asian country.

Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) handed over Covid relief to Indian Embassy in Hanoi on May 12. Photo: VNA

On May 12, the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) handed over 100 ventilators and 50 oxygen generators worth roughly VND14 billion (US$608,000) to India’s Embassy in Hanoi.

Most Venerable Thich Thanh Nhieu, vice chairman of VBS at the handover ceremony in Hanoi said that his heart breaks upon hearing the daily Covid-19 evolution in India. He hopes that the government of India and Indian people will soon overcome this tough time.

This is the gift from Vietnamese Buddhists, he said.

Earlier on May 3, the VBS called on Vietnamese monks, nuns, and alumni in India to donate to Indian people.

The message of the Buddha’s love, concern and kindness is a strong bond that unites the peoples of the two countries. "Through this unprecedented crisis, we realize the importance of humane connection that is central to the friendship and strategic relationship of the two countries, Indian Ambassador to Vietnam Pranay Verma said.

India is suffering second wave of coronavirus. Photo: PTI

On May 11, the Vietnam-India Friendship Association (VIFA) offered 100 ventilators to the embassy.

Nguyen Manh Hung, Minister of Information and Communications and the VIFA Chairman, announced the gift at a virtual meeting with Indian Ambassador to Vietnam Pranay Verma.

Hung said in April 2020, the VIFA handed over 100,000 anti-bacteria masks to Indian people and urged Vietnam’s leading conglomerate Vingroup to offer 100 ventilators worth over VND10 billion (US$434,000) to them.

The aid is expected to be sent to India on a flight on May 19.

In late April, Vietnam’s top leaders have consoled their Indian counterparts over the devastating consequences left by Covid-19 pandemic on the subcontinent.

India currently suffers the catastrophic pandemic that claims more than 4,000 lives and causes nearly 400,000 infections per day.