India assures full support to Nepal in reconstruction efforts

Assuring its unstinted support, India on Wednesday conveyed to Nepal that it will stand shoulder-to- shoulder with the quake-battered country in its massive reconstruction efforts and ensure "quickest" recovery.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj conveyed India's support to the Himalayan nation when she called on Nepal Prime Minister Sushil Koirala on the first day of her two-day visit to participate at an international donors' conference tomorrow, aimed at raising funds for reconstruction.

Swaraj began her visit, the third in last last one year, by meeting Koirala during which she told him that India will provide "all possible assistance" to Nepal in its hour of crisis. She is likely to announce a major package for Nepal during the International Conference on Nepal's Reconstruction being organised by the Nepalese government to raise funds for carrying out rebuilding of areas devastated by the massive earthquake of April 25 that left nearly 9,000 people dead.

"The External Affairs Minister conveyed to the Nepalese Prime Minister that India stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Nepal and offered all possible assistance in its reconstruction activities," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said. 

Swaraj said under the leadership of Prime Minster Narendra Modi, India took the lead in responding "spontaneously", to provide relief and extend support in rescue operations following the quake as there was an "outpouring of instantaneous empathy and support" from all sections of Indian society to people of Nepal.

"I am glad to see that in spite of the tragedy, the people of Nepal have displayed a steely determination to rebuild their country. India will continue to stand together with the people and Government of Nepal in the quickest recovery and reconstruction," she said. At least 35 countries including China and Japan will attend the conference.

Nepal Prime Minister Koirala had earlier this month called up Prime Minister Modi to invite him for the conclave. However, Modi decided to send Swaraj for the conference. Swaraj also conveyed "deepest condolences to the Government and people of Nepal on the death and destruction caused by the devastating earthquake on (April) 25th on behalf of the Government and people of India."

Ahead of the meet, the Nepalese Prime Minister said there has been a "big gap" between what Nepal was able to do and what needs to be done. He said Nepal's resources alone are not enough to meet the "unforeseen and pressing challenges" and called upon international community to help the country.

Nepal's Foreign Minister Mahendra Bahadur Pandey said there was an urgent need to upscale investment in the infrastructure sector. "There are some immediate and long-term priorities from the perspective of reconstruction. We need to ensure that the rubbles of the collapsed buildings are removed in an environmentally friendly way.

"Building transitional shelters for people is also a pressing priority. We will need to explore options for low-cost housing, reinstate bridges, roads, schools and health posts. For this, there is an urgent need to upscale investment in the infrastructure sector," he said.

Also Read: Sushma Swaraj arrives in Nepal to attend donors' conference