Singapore summoned the Indian envoy and expressed its “serious opposition” to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s tweet about a “Singapore variant,” the government said today, adding that the envoy told them that Mr. Kejriwal “had no competence” on Covid variants. “The Chief Minister of Delhi should not talk for India,” Foreign Minister S Jaishankar said in a series of tweets.
“Singapore and India have proven to be reliable allies in the war against Covid-19. Recognize Singapore’s importance as a logistics centre and oxygen provider. Our exemplary friendship is reflected in their act of sending combat aircraft to assist us. However, reckless remarks made by someone who should know better will jeopardise long-standing relationships. So, to be clear, the Delhi Chief Minister does not talk for India “The Foreign Minister sent out a tweet.
Around the same time, the government issued a statement aimed at convincing Singapore following Mr Kejriwal’s remarks.
“Singapore’s government summoned our High Commissioner today to express firm opposition to Delhi’s Chief Minister’s tweet about the “Singapore version.” The High Commissioner explained that the Delhi Chief Minister lacked the authority to make decisions on Covid variants or civil aviation policy “according to the foreign ministry.
Mr. Kejriwal had urged the government yesterday to “cancel air services” with Singapore due to “a new kind of corona that came to Singapore” that was highly dangerous for children.
“The latest type of Corona that arrived in Singapore is said to be extremely dangerous for children; it could arrive as the third wave in India. My request to the central government is as follows: 1. Air services to Singapore should be canceled immediately. 2. Vaccine alternatives for children should be considered as well “Mr. Kejriwal said in a Hindi tweet.
Hours later, Singapore issued a sharp rebuttal, claiming that the most recent cases in the country were caused by the India-dominant strain.
“The claim that a new COVID strain has emerged in Singapore is false. Phylogenetic research has shown that the B.1.617.2 mutation is the predominant strain in many of the COVID cases, including those in infants, recorded in Singapore in recent weeks “Singapore’s High Commission in India issued a tweet.
Singapore’s Foreign Minister said earlier today, “Politicians should stick to reality.” In a sharp response to Arvind Kejriwal’s tweet yesterday, he said, “There is no ‘Singapore variant.'”
Union Aviation Minister Hardeep Puri also took a shot at Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, telling him that international passenger flights to and from India have been halted.
The extremely infectious B.1.617 strain was discovered in India and has since spread to other countries. It is said to have fueled the country’s second surge.
Scientists and physicians also discussed the possibility of a third wave, which will most likely target children.
