External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday, 30 April spoke to his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi and emphasised the importance of supply chains and air flights that are being kept open by China to facilitate the movement of materials needed for India’s COVID-19 response.
After talking to Wang Yi on phone, Jaishankar tweeted: "Highlighted the importance of supply chains, and air flights being kept open in these circumstances. Welcomed his assurances in that regard, as also more openness to Indian chartered flights".
Earlier this week, China's state-run Sichuan Airlines had suspended its cargo flights to India for 15 days, which was seen as a blow to private traders' efforts to procure the oxygen concentrators.
However, later, the Chinese ministry retracted the order stating that "it was working out a new plan to resume the services."
Jaishankar also told Wang Yi about the disengagement of Indian and Chinese forces at the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
"Also, discussed the issue of full and sincere implementation of the Moscow Agreement of complete disengagement at all friction points along the LAC and full restoration of peace and tranquility in Eastern Ladakh. Agreed to continue discussions in this respect", the EAM said in a subsequent tweet.
On Friday, 30 April, Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Xi said that he was 'very concerned' and offered cooperation in dealing with the second wave of COVID in India.
In a press conference Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Friday that China is closely motoring the situation in India.
(With inputs from ANI)
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