New Delhi, October 26, 2020: The Government of India has decided to provide 270 MT of food aid to Sudan, South Sudan, Djibouti, and Eritrea, to alleviate the suffering of the people affected by natural calamities and the Covid pandemic. The food aid, comprising 155 MT of wheat flour, 65 MT of rice and 50 MT of sugar, is being transported on the Indian Naval Ship AIRAVAT, which left Mumbai on 24 October 2020 on a visit to the region, during which it will make port calls at Djibouti, Massawa, Port Sudan, and Mombasa.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs of India said that the strong bonds of friendship and brotherly relations between India and countries in Africa have been forged and strengthened over several centuries. India has always stood in solidarity with the countries and people in Africa and has partnered in undertaking development, capacity building and humanitarian assistance programs.
The statement also said that since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Government of India has worked closely with the Governments in these countries on repatriation of each other’s nationals through special flights and for the supply of medical assistance.
