U.S. Embassy and Consulates India -- I would like to recognize Secretary General Jain of the Indian Red Cross and Joint Secretary Das of the Ministry of External Affairs. Thank you to members of the Government of India, the Indian Red Cross Society, and the media for joining us today.

The COVID-19 pandemic poses an unprecedented global public health threat. It is through partnership and cooperation that we will be best able to ensure a healthy future for our people.The United States, through the generosity of the American people and the innovation of American industry, is providing access to medical supplies and ventilators to countries that need them to fight COVID-19. Indeed, we have pledged ventilator assistance toa number of countries across the world.In this spirit of cooperation, the U.S. Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is pleased to provide the Indian people with a donation of 200 ventilators. Today, we are pleased to deliver the first tranche of 100 ventilators.

These ventilators are state-of-the-art machines, compact and easily deployable, providing medical professionals with flexibility in treating patients affected by the virus. For patients whose lungs are not operating adequately despite receiving oxygen, this vital resource may prove lifesaving. These ventilators will complement India’s ongoing work to make quality health care available to those most in need.

I would like to thank my colleagues at USAID, the Government of India, and the Indian Red Cross Society for facilitating the delivery and placement of this life-saving medical equipment. I would also like to thank ZOLL Medical Corporation, a Massachusetts-based company, for its role in making this equipment available.

The United States and India have a long history of health collaboration spanning several decades. Our current response with regard to COVID-19 builds on this strong platform.U.S.-India cooperation has support at the highest levels of government. This past February, President Trump and Prime Minister Modi committed to continuing our successful work in support of global efforts to prevent, detect, and respond to disease outbreaks such as COVID-19.

I want to close by recognizing the life-saving work done by numerous health workers and medical professionals in India, the United States, and across the world who are working tirelessly to battle COVID-19. They are on the frontlines of the battle against this disease and deserve our heartfelt thanks.

Again, we appreciate everyone being here this morning.