India sends emergency aid to earthquake-hit Nepal as part of ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’

The relief material was handed over to Nepal by the Ambassador of India.

The Indian Embassy in Nepal said the first consignment arrived in Nepalgunj, Nepal, on Sunday. (Image: X/@DrSJaishankar)

India Nepal Friendship: As India’s neighbor Nepal continues to recover from the trauma and loss of life and property caused by the magnitude 6.4 earthquake that struck the country on November 3, India sent a relief package on Sunday, consisting of medical equipment, emergency materials and more as an emergency aid package. gesture of goodwill. The massive earthquake killed 157 people and injured many. India, acting as a first responder, shipped essential medicines and relief materials to help the earthquake-affected communities.

This rapid response is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Neighbourhood First” policy, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said, emphasizing India’s commitment to support its neighbors in times of crisis.

“Providing emergency aid to earthquake-affected areas in Nepal. As a first responder, India supplies medicines and aid materials. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Neighborhood First policy in action,” EAM Jaishankar posted on X from his official address.

Providing emergency aid to earthquake-affected areas in Nepal.

As a first responder, India supplies medicines and aid materials.

P.M @narendramodi‘s Neighborhood First policy in action. pic.twitter.com/FJuErXd5s4

—Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) November 5, 2023

The Indian Embassy in Nepal, through an official press release, said that the first consignment of Rs 10 crore worth of relief materials arrived in Nepalgunj, Nepal on Sunday, while a special C-130 flight of the Indian Air Force (IAF) delivered the consignment of more than 11 crore transported. tons of emergency response materials, including tents and tarpaulins, blankets and sleeping bags, as well as essential medicines and medical equipment such as portable ventilators, for the affected people.

The aid material was handed over by the Ambassador of India to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, on behalf of the Indian government, to the Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister of Nepal, Purna Bahadur Khadka, in the presence of Karnali Chief Minister Raj Kumar Sharma.

Further shipments of relief supplies from India are expected to arrive in the Himalayan country in the coming days.

“As a close friend and neighbor, India remains committed to providing all possible support to those affected by the earthquake in Nepal,” the MEA said.

Meanwhile, Nepal’s Ministry of Home Affairs, in collaboration with armed police and UNICEF, sent crucial relief supplies to Jajarkot and Rukum West in Nepal. The relief materials include 6,263 tarps, 1,250 tents, 300 blankets and 2,050 sleeping bags, all aimed at providing essential shelter and comfort to the affected families.

Even as the Nepal earthquake search and rescue operation ends, the focus has shifted to mobilizing aid to those affected by the disaster. Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha stressed the importance of providing relief to those affected by the earthquake.

The earthquake not only struck Nepal but also caused tremors in several districts of northern India, including Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences over the loss of lives and damage in the neighboring country and offered all possible assistance at this tragic time. He emphasized that India stands in solidarity with the people of Nepal.

(With ANI inputs)