Jaishankar reviews Nepal flood rescue efforts, says India gives ‘highest priority’ to relief

Nepal flood crisis: India emerges as a first responder, rapidly sending relief supplies as Jaishankar takes stock of rescue operations

PGurus Newsdesk

August 28, 2026

Indian Air Force aircraft, rescue teams and relief supplies arriving in flood-hit Nepal as India leads the emergency response

India accelerates rescue and relief as devastating Nepal floods leave hundreds dead and missing

India has stepped up its rescue and relief efforts in flood-hit Nepal, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reviewing the ongoing operations and stressing that assistance to the neighbouring country remains a “highest priority” for New Delhi.

India moved swiftly after devastating flash floods struck Nepal’s Himalayan border region on August 26. An Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft carrying 10 tonnes of humanitarian and disaster-relief supplies reached Kathmandu the same night, less than 12 hours after the disaster. A second consignment followed on Thursday, taking the total relief material delivered by air to 47.5 tonnes, while the overall figure had reached 62 tonnes by Friday afternoon.

The supplies include medicines, food packets, tents, blankets, generators and other essential items. India is also mobilising Bailey bridges to help restore connectivity after floods swept away roads and bridges in several affected areas. The Centre has been coordinating efforts to locate and assist Indian nationals caught in the disaster.

Jaishankar reviews rescue efforts

Jaishankar reviewed the situation with officials of the Ministry of External Affairs and India’s missions in Kathmandu and Beijing, including efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of Indian nationals affected by the floods. He was also briefed on additional relief supplies being prepared for Nepal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier spoken to Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah and conveyed India’s readiness to provide all possible humanitarian assistance. Jaishankar also said India stands with Nepal and its people.

India’s rapid response has earned it the description of a “first responder”, with the speed of physical aid delivery standing out even as several other countries and international organisations mobilised assistance. The US has committed $500,000 and a disaster-response adviser, while the UK has pledged £5 million and emergency responders. China, South Korea, the European Union, the UN, WHO and World Bank have also offered or mobilised assistance.

Nepal flood crisis deepens

The flash floods, believed to have been triggered by a massive glacial collapse, sent ice, rocks, mud and water through river systems along the Nepal-Tibet border, destroying villages and critical infrastructure. The disaster has left a massive death toll and hundreds of people missing, including Indian nationals.

As of Friday afternoon, Hindustan Times reported 469 deaths in Nepal and three in Tibet, while nearly 1,000 people were missing in Nepal and another 558 remained unaccounted for in Tibet. The situation has since remained fluid, with rescue teams continuing operations amid fresh risks from unstable water bodies and debris.

India’s response has also included the establishment of mechanisms to help trace and rescue its citizens, reinforcing New Delhi’s broader role as a regional first responder during major humanitarian disasters.

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