India Sends 47.5 Tonnes of Aid to Nepal Amidst Devastating Floods; Jaishankar Reviews Situation

India Dispatches Substantial Aid to Flood-Hit Nepal

Amidst the severe devastation caused by floods and landslides in Nepal, India has reiterated its commitment to the 'Neighbourhood First' policy by sending immediate assistance. The Indian government swiftly dispatched the first consignment of 10 tonnes of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) materials and life-saving medicines to Kathmandu.

The very next day, a second major shipment of 37.5 tonnes of relief supplies was sent to the neighboring country via a special Indian Air Force military aircraft, ensuring timely aid for Nepal during its difficult time. Given the severity of the disaster, India's Ministry of External Affairs has activated its diplomatic and administrative machinery.

Foreign Minister Jaishankar Reviews Relief Efforts

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar convened a high-level review meeting in New Delhi. He shared on 'X' (formerly Twitter) that he reviewed the situation concerning the flood disaster in Nepal with the Foreign Secretary, the Ministry of External Affairs team, and the ambassadors stationed in Kathmandu and Beijing.

The meeting focused on efforts to ascertain the status and well-being of all Indian nationals stranded in the flood-affected areas. The External Affairs Minister further stated that the Ministry of External Affairs is coordinating with various ministries, state governments, tour operators, and project officials on this matter.

He emphasized that India is working alongside the Nepali side not only on relief efforts but also on other aspects. In another post, he added that India remains in close and continuous contact with Nepali authorities and will continue its strong support for the ongoing relief efforts.

Indian Embassy Actively Engaged in Aid Distribution

The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu reported that Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava handed over the aid materials sent by India to Nepal's Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Khadka Raj Poudel. Additionally, the second consignment of 37.5 tonnes of HADR materials, medicines, and food packets was handed over to the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Mahabir Pun.

The Embassy also informed that its officials are on high alert, and emergency helpline numbers have been issued to assist and ensure the safety of Indian nationals residing in Nepal. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal announced that 21 Indian nationals from Tamil Nadu, who were on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, have been safely rescued in Nepal.

He also confirmed that a special control room has been established at the Ministry of External Affairs to handle the flood situation in Nepal. This swift and substantial aid from India is a testament to its readiness to assist its neighbours during times of crisis, as was also witnessed during the 2015 earthquake and the 2019-20 COVID-19 pandemic.