With the recent outbreak of COVID-19 infections in Bhutan, India has extended its timely cooperation to the Himalayan kingdom by delivering 20,000 test kits on Thursday. The assistance is the ninth consignment of essential medical supplies to Bhutan by India since March. 

“With the outbreak of COVID-19, India acted quickly in responding to and addressing the challenges in the region. As a close friend and as a neighbor, India has accorded utmost priority to the requirement of Bhutan,” the India government said in a statement released by its embassy in Thimphu. 

The consignment was handed over to Bhutan in Phuentsholing. 

Since Saturday last week, Bhutan saw a sudden surge in COVID-19 infections as it reported its first large scale nationwide local transmission. Around 74 cases positives have been reported since the country went into a nationwide lockdown on Monday. Around 21 cases have been reported on Thursday alone; 19 of them came from Thimphu. 

As a result of fresh locally transmitted cases, authorities in Bhutan have been conducting mass contact tracing and testing in the country. 

Earlier also India had provided essential medicines, medical equipment, among other assistance, to Bhutan. “India stands alongside Bhutan. Together we will fight the COVID-19 pandemic, through a sustainable recovery,” said the Indian ambassador to Bhutan, Ruchira Kamboj 

Significantly, India is also cooperating with Bhutan in the phase-III clinical trial of Covid vaccines. 

“India will continue to extend all possible support to Bhutan to minimize the health and economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic,” reads the statement released by the embassy in Thimphu. The statement also called the delivery of essential supplies a “reflection of the special bond of trust and understanding” that has existed for decades between the two friendly neighbours.