India concludes Operation Maitri in Nepal

 The final de-induction of the Indian Combined Armed Forces Task Force on Thursday marked the winding up of Operation Maitri — the biggest post-disaster operation ever launched by India outside its territory — in the earthquake-ravaged Himalayan nation.

Within six hours of the devastating April 25 earthquake, India was the first nation to send its search and rescue teams to Nepal with the first Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft, carrying relief material, reaching Kathmandu. 

Ten National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) teams, one Army Engineering Task Force and 18 army medical units were dispatched within 24 hours. According to the Indian embassy in Kathmandu, one IAF C-17 aircraft took off from Tribhuvan International Airport at 2.30 pm on Thursday taking the 

remaining relief team along with two ALH and three MI-13 helicopters.

After 69 Indian and seven Canadian army personnel left, the Nepal Army said there would be no foreign army presence in Nepal from Thursday.

The Indian government opted for a multi-pronged strategy to help Nepal during the crisis, sending army personnel and helicopters for search and rescue operations. India’s NDRF contributed in such efforts in various quake-hit areas while the Indian Army and Indian Air Force provided support to the Nepali government’s efforts.