Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has lauded and thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his support to the African nations after a new variant of the Coronavirus, named Omicron was discovered in South Africa and is raging across the continent.
The new variant which was dubbed ‘Omicron’ by the World Health Organisation (WHO) has caused global panic with many countries rushing to impose strict travel restrictions on African nations, as the new variant is found to be affecting even the double-vaccinated population.
With South Africa reporting the first cases of 'Omicron', it is African countries that are being worst hit by travel bans and other restrictions. However, Pietersen, who was born in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, was delighted to read news of India extending help to the continent.
Replying to a news update about India's support to countries in Africa affected by 'Omicron', Pietersen tweeted, "That caring spirit once again shown by India! The most fabulous country with so many warm hearted people! Thank you! cc Narendra Modi."
India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has announced its commitment to supply 'made-in India' vaccines to African nations. The MEA was quoted by ANI as saying, “Government of India stands ready to support the countries affected in Africa in dealing with the Omicron Variant, including by supplies of Made-in-India vaccines. Supplies can be undertaken through COVAX or bilaterally.”
Notably, the Indian team is supposed to fly to South Africa for a series of three Tests, three ODIs, and four T20I matches starting in late December, and India A team is already in the rainbow nation for a three four-day match series, of which one match has been played.
