India, Nepal pledge to enhance ties to tackle disasters

A 15-member Nepalese delegation on wednesday met the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) here and discussed issues related to sharing and cooperation in these subjects.

The Nepal delegation, led by Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs PK Suvedi, was briefed about the Indian disaster profile and scenario and its control and response mechanisms by NDRF chief OP Singh.

Singh emphasised the need for mutual cooperation between two countries as both of them are highly vulnerable to disasters and can help each other at times of crisis.

The NDRF had been flown in by India for relief and rescue works when a devastating earthquake hit the neighbouring country in April last year.

The delegation is in the national capital to attend the 12th meeting of the India-Nepal Bilateral Consultative Group (BCG) on security issues. The BCG facilitates both countries in three areas of supply of defence stores, military training and information sharing.

The delegation later travelled to the NDRF's 8th battalion based in Ghaziabad near here to see live demonstration of operations.