London [US], November 30 (ANI): Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen on Monday lauded India for extending support to African countries in dealing with the new Omicron variant of COVID-19.

This came after the Indian government expressed solidarity with the countries, particularly in Africa, which are affected by the Omicron variant of coronavirus.

Also Read | Twitter Share Price Jumps Over 10% at Opening Bell After Report of CEO Jack Dorsey Stepping Down.

"That caring spirit once again shown by India! The most fabulous country with so many warm hearted people! Thank you! @narendramodi," Pietersen said in a twitter post while reposting ANI's tweet.

India on Monday said it stands ready to supply made-in India vaccines, essential life-saving drugs, test kits, gloves, PPE kits and medical equipment such as ventilators to these countries.

Also Read | Offensive Photoshoot by Pakistani Model at Kartarpur Gurdwara Annoys Sikh Community, Designer Too Slammed Online.

"We have noted the emergence of a new variant of Covid-19, Omicron. We express our solidarity with the countries, particularly in Africa, which have so far been affected by the Omicron variant," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

"The 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," MEA added.

Meanwhile, the Indian government has cleared all orders placed so far by COVAX for supplies of Covishield vaccines including to African countries like Malawi, Ethiopia, Zambia, Mozambique, Guinea and Lesotho.

"We have also cleared supplies of COVAXIN to Botswana. Any new requirement projected either bilaterally or through COVAX will be considered expeditiously. India also stands ready to supply essential life-saving drugs, test kits, gloves, PPE kits and medical equipment such as ventilators, as may be required," MEA said.

India has, so far, supplied more than 25 million doses of Made-in-India vaccines to 41 countries in Africa, including nearly one million doses as granted to 16 countries and more than 16 million doses under the COVAX facility to 33 countries.

The WHO has categorised the new COVID-19 variant, first detected in South Africa as a "variant of concern".

The number of cases of this variant appears to be increasing in almost all provinces in South Africa. (ANI)

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)