India has asked the European Union to send medical oxygen and Gilead's antiviral drug remdesivir to fight a surge in Covid-19 cases, said an EU official, adding that the aid could be made available soon.

"The Indians have asked for medical oxygen and antivirals, notably remdesivir," a spokesman for the EU Commission told a news conference.

The EU spokesman added that so far, among EU states, Ireland has offered to send oxygen, which is crucial for patients with breathing problems, while Germany and France have also indicated they will help. "We can expect that in the next hours and days we can confirm more help."