New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has commented on the New Zealand High Commission in India taking help for oxygen supply for the Youth Congress.
PM Ardern said she should have used other channels to seek medical assistance than requesting the Indian Youth Congress on Twitter to help in providing an oxygen cylinder.
“Our High Commission has apologised for [the tweet] ” Ardern told a news channel.
Update- New Zealand high commission opened gates of the embassy and accepted cylinders.
Also, they thanked the #SOSIYC team for this quick relief as patient inside embassy was critically ill. pic.twitter.com/vu6TUhD1r8
— Srinivas B V (@srinivasiyc) May 2, 2021
The New Zealand High Commission in Delhi had later deleted the tweet saying it was issued in error, and it was sorry for the misunderstanding it may have caused.
Update- New Zealand high commission opened gates of the embassy and accepted cylinders.
Also, they thanked the #SOSIYC team for this quick relief as patient inside embassy was critically ill. pic.twitter.com/vu6TUhD1r8
— Srinivas B V (@srinivasiyc) May 2, 2021
Ardern further said, “The High Commission had strict protocols in place where they’ve had bubble arrangements trying to make sure they are looking after the wellbeing of both seconded and local staff. They employ local people who live within the compound. But of course, a very difficult environment to try and ensure that there are no infections.”
A few days ago, a war of words had erupted between the Centre and the Congress involving two foreign missions in Delhi over the supply of oxygen cylinders by the Youth Congress to these embassies for Covid patients.
While I thank @IYC for its stellar efforts, as an Indian citizen I’m stunned that the youth wing of the opposition party is attending to SOS calls from foreign embassies. Is the MEA sleeping @DrSJaishankar ? https://t.co/iEG49baE9l
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) May 1, 2021