Nepal Requests Indian Humanitarian Aid After Declining Foreign Search-And-Rescue Teams

India has offered additional humanitarian assistance to Nepal following devastating flash floods that have killed at least 552 people on both sides of the Nepal-Tibet border. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday underlined that the latest assistance is being prepared following a request from Nepal, after Kathmandu indicated that it could currently manage search-and-rescue operations through its own security agencies.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India is preparing medical assistance, engineering teams and equipment to support relief efforts and restore damaged infrastructure. Two aircraft carrying relief materials have already been sent to Nepal, while a third aircraft is expected to deliver additional humanitarian supplies.

India is also preparing to send a specialised tunnel rescue team, with a reconnaissance team being deployed first to assess conditions and determine the equipment required. Jaiswal added that India is sending a medical team and has offered Bailey bridges along with technical personnel to help restore connectivity in areas where roads and bridges have been damaged.

Also Read: India Rapidly Expanding Naval Capabilities While Reducing Foreign Dependence: Report

Separately, India has offered to deploy National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and equipment for search-and-rescue operations. Jaiswal said India is awaiting a response from the Nepalese authorities on the proposal and remains prepared to provide any assistance required to support people affected by the disaster.

Nepal had earlier indicated that it did not require foreign search-and-rescue teams at the current stage. Lok Bahadur Chhetri, a spokesperson for Nepal’s Foreign Ministry, said the country’s security agencies were leading rescue operations and were capable of handling the immediate response. He later clarified that Nepal was not opposed to international assistance and would seek specialised expertise if required.

The flash floods have caused widespread destruction, with entire settlements swept away and roads, bridges and major hydropower infrastructure damaged. More than 1,400 people are reported missing, including hundreds of foreign nationals. According to the Kathmandu Post, several countries, including China, the United States, Britain, Japan, South Korea, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, have approached Nepal regarding assistance.

Also Read: Same Fanta, Different Sugar Levels: What Indian Consumers Need To Know