India on Wednesday night dispatched the first tranche of relief supplies to Nepal aboard a military transport aircraft after flash floods along the country's border with Tibet killed at least 160 people and left a trail of destruction.
The relief materials were sent hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to his Nepalese counterpart Balendra Shah and assured him of all possible humanitarian assistance to deal with the situation.
"The people of India stand in solidarity with their sisters and brothers in Nepal at this difficult time," Modi said on social media after the conversation.
"India is ready to provide all possible humanitarian assistance to Nepal. Our teams are coordinating closely on rescue and relief efforts," he said.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India dispatched 10 tonnes of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) assistance to Nepal.
"Dispatched 10 tonnes of HADR assistance and essential medicines to support Nepal's response to the devastating floods," he said on X.
"Our thoughts are with the bereaved families and all those affected. In face of this challenge, India stands with Nepal and its people," he added.
The relief supplies were sent on board a C-130J aircraft of the Indian Air Force. The aircraft took off for Kathmandu from Hindon airbase near Delhi around 8:35 pm.
The relief supplies included emergency items such as temporary shelters, blankets, hygiene kits, solar lamps, and medicines.
The IAF also posted on X, saying, "In response to the devastating flash floods in Nepal, the IAF has swiftly deployed a C-130J aircraft carrying 10 tonnes of essential relief materials and medical supplies."
"Additional air effort by C-17 and C-130 aircraft will transport further relief supplies, with helicopters earmarked for rescue and evacuation operations. From the skies to the ground - responding with speed, agility, and precision, delivering hope when it matters most," it added.
According to latest reports, at least 160 people were killed, and a few hundreds are missing following the flash floods along the Nepal-Tibet border.
It is learnt that New Delhi will send more relief supplies in the next few days with another military transport aircraft expected to be sent to Kathmandu on Thursday morning.
Later in the day, Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Wednesday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his "warm words of solidarity" and offering all possible humanitarian assistance to the flood-hit country for the rescue and relief operations.
Thanking Modi for his "kind call and deep condolences", Shah in a social media post said, "We deeply appreciate your warm words of solidarity and your generous offer of assistance to Nepal during this difficult time."
"This gesture of solidarity is a reflection of the enduring bonds of friendship between our two countries, which we profoundly value," he said.
(With inputs from PTI)
