NEW DELHI, Aug 31: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday described India as Nepal’s close friend and “Sukh dukh ke saathi”, reaffirming New Delhi’s commitment to support Kathmandu in its search, rescue and rehabilitation efforts following the devastating flash floods that struck the country on August 26.
Singh visited the Embassy of Nepal in New Delhi and signed the condolence book to express solidarity with the people of the neighbouring country.
In a post on X, the Defence Minister conveyed his condolences on behalf of the Government and people of India over the loss of lives and extensive destruction caused by the flash floods.
He said the disaster had affected Nepali citizens as well as several foreign nationals, including Indians.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives in this disaster. We hope for speedy recovery of those who were injured,” Singh said.
Emphasising India’s close ties with Nepal, he said New Delhi has always stood by its neighbour and would continue to support the country during the ongoing crisis.
“As a close friend and partner, and ‘Sukh Dukh Ke Saathi’, India has always stood by Nepal. In this trying time also, we stand shoulder to shoulder with our Nepali brothers and sisters and are committed to support Nepal’s efforts for search, rescue and rehabilitation,” he said.
The death toll from the flash floods rose to 903 on Monday, while nearly 4,250 people remained missing, according to authorities. Rescue teams have recovered bodies from all eight affected districts as operations continued for the sixth day.
The disaster, believed to have been triggered by a collapse or avalanche of ice and rock near the Nepal-Tibet border, caused widespread devastation across towns and villages in northern and central Nepal.
Singh had earlier expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and damage caused by the floods and assured Nepal of India’s full support and assistance.
As part of its relief efforts, India has sent multiple consignments of relief material to Nepal. It has also deployed a 19-member specialised forensic team to assist with DNA analysis for identifying victims’ mortal remains, along with a tunnel rescue team to support search and rescue operations in the flood-affected areas.
