New Delhi: India on May 2 presented 20 cartons of specialised SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) kits to China as a gift from the armed forces, with the Chinese Ambassador to India Hua Junduo saying the aid "augured well for the future relationship of the two countries".

The first carton was handed over to the Chinese Ambassador by Defence Minister George Fernandes, who blamed Western media for giving exaggerated figures of SARS toll in China.

Fernandes, just back from a week-long visit to China, said he had witnessed first hand the problems being faced in China and on coming back here had discovered unique SARS antidote produced by the armed forces medical services.

He said this was a small kit package from the armed forces and a bigger SARS antidote would be sent by the Health Ministry and Defence Research and Development Organisation.

Appreciating the gesture, the Chinese Ambassador said it was goodwill gesture, amplifying that "a friend in need is a friend in deed".

He said such gestures would help in common struggles of the two countries against common enemies like terrorism and epidemics like SARS.

Lieutenant general B N Shahi, director general Armed Forces Medical Services said the SARS kit contained antibiotic Azithromycin capsules, doubled-layered nasal masks and high potency anti-viral drugs.

PTI