In an interview given to the national broadcaster All India Radio, Indian envoy in Kathmandu, Ranjit Rae said, “After performing a commendable job in search and rescue of earthquake victims, NDRF teams are going back but Indian Army has been put into service for removal of rubble with big equipment required for the purpose.”
Given Nepal’s strategic importance, vis-à-vis China, and need to dominate South Asia, it’s not surprising that New Delhi has extended the “helping hand.” Rae said on Tuesday, “India is ready to extend all help to Nepalese people in coming days during monsoon and in rehabilitation of displaced people.” Rae’s statement, a day after rescue and relief teams were asked by Nepal to leave, could not have come without and approval from South Block.
Following the Nepalese government’s nudge, rescuers from different countries including Poland, Netherland, Turkey, Germany UK and France have moved out.
“Indian Army and Air force are engaged in the relief operation with their 13 helicopters and other highly sophisticated equipment. Relief materials are being dropped in remote areas by the Indian Air Force helicopters,” said Rae clarifying that Indian presence in the ongoing relief operations has not ended though NDRF teams have been flown back.
Rae said, “relief materials are being received in huge quantity from Government of India and other State governments and Non-Government Organisations. About 4000 tons of relief materials have already been received at Kathmandu.”