On the ground and afar, diaspora boosts India's virus fight

FILE - In this May 1, 2021, file photo, people take part in "Cycle to Save Lives" a 48 hour, non-stop static relay cycle challenge at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, also know as the Neasden Temple, the largest Hindu temple in the UK, in north London, to raise money to help coronavirus relief efforts in India. India's large diaspora — long a boon to India's economy — is tapping its wealth, political clout and expertise to help its home country combat the catastrophic coronavirus surge that has left people to die outside overwhelmed hospitals. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, File)

FILE - In this May 1, 2021, file photo, medical supplies to be sent to India are pictured at Roissy airport, north of Paris. India’s large diaspora is tapping its wealth, growing political clout and expertise to help India combat a catastrophic coronavirus surge that has led to desperate pleas for oxygen and left people to die outside overwhelmed hospitals. (AP Photo/Lewis Joly, Pool, File)

In this photo provided by the Department of National Defence, members of 2 Air Movements Squadron, at 8 Wing Trenton, prepare medical supplies bound for India and load onto an aircraft in Trenton, Ontario on Wednesday, May 5, 2021. India’s large diaspora is tapping its wealth, growing political clout and expertise to help India combat a catastrophic coronavirus surge that has led to desperate pleas for oxygen and left people to die outside overwhelmed hospitals. (Master Cpl. Darcy Lefebvre/Department of National Defence/The Canadian Press via AP)

FILE - In this April 30, 2021, file photo, relief supplies from the United States in the wake of India's COVID-19 situation arrive at the Indira Gandhi International Airport cargo terminal in New Delhi, India. India’s large diaspora is tapping its wealth, growing political clout and expertise to help India combat a catastrophic coronavirus surge that has led to desperate pleas for oxygen and left people to die outside overwhelmed hospitals. (Prakash Singh/Pool via AP, File)