India Delivers Essential Flood Relief to Nepal Under 'Neighbourhood First' Policy; EAM Jaishankar Reviews Safety of Citizens

New Delhi : Reaffirming its commitment to the 'Neighbourhood First' policy, India extended immediate assistance to flood and landslide-affected regions in Nepal. The Indian government dispatched an initial 10-ton consignment of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) supplies alongside critical medicines to Kathmandu, followed by a second military aircraft carrying 37.5 tons of emergency materials, food packets, and medical supplies.

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar chaired a high-level review meeting in New Delhi with the Foreign Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) officials, and Indian Ambassadors in Kathmandu and Beijing to assess ground conditions. Taking to social media platform X, EAM Jaishankar confirmed that efforts are underway to trace and ensure the safety of all Indian nationals in the affected zones. The MEA is actively coordinating with state governments, tour operators, project authorities, and Nepali officials to streamline rescue operations.

Key highlights of the relief operation include:

Material Handover: Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava formally handed over the assistance consignments to Nepal's Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Khadga Raj Paudel, and Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Mahabir Pun.

Stranded Citizens Rescued: MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the successful rescue of 21 Indian pilgrims from Tamil Nadu who were stranded during the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

Emergency Infrastructure: A dedicated control room has been established at the MEA in New Delhi, alongside emergency helplines set up by the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu to assist Indian nationals.

This rapid response continues India's historical role as a first responder to humanitarian crises in neighboring countries, reflecting a shared commitment to regional stability and disaster response.

(Report by Saswat Tiwari)