Govt 'open' to accepting foreign aid for Kerala floods

NEW DELHI: The government is open to accepting foreign aid and humanitarian assistance meant to get Kerala back on its feet after the devastating floods, sources said on Wednesday evening. While no nation has yet offered aid formally, there have been offers from various organizations and foundations. The assistance, however, will be subject to the existing norms and procedures, the sources said.

The assurance will come as a relief for Kerala, which has been concerned about a shortfall in funds.

Earlier on Wednesday, an ambassador from Thailand tweeted to say India has made it clear that it would not accept international aid for flood relief in Kerala.

The new stance marks a huge shift in policy - since 2004, when the UPA-1 government came to power, the nation has not accepted any foreign aid for any natural disaster. Assistance has rather been sent to other nations when they needed it. The policy was seen as a reflection of the nation's growing economy and a new mood of self-reliance.