India Dispatches Urgent Relief Aircraft and Rescues Citizens Stranded in Nepal Floods

Multi-Flight Humanitarian Airbridge to Kathmandu Following severe transboundary flash floods triggered by high-altitude glacial collapse along the Nepal-Tibet border, India stepped up its Operation Neighborhood First, flying three consecutive Indian Air Force (IAF) transport aircraft to Kathmandu within 48 hours. The relief flights, operating from Hindon Air Force Station, delivered 57.5 tonnes of emergency supplies, including temporary family shelters, solar lamps, dewatering pumps, water purification tablets, dignity kits, portable generators, and critical medical supplies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured Nepalese Prime Minister Balendra Shah of full support, leading to immediate mobilization by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Ministry of Defence. Specialized Medical and Tunnel Rescue SupportBeyond emergency cargo, New Delhi expanded technical support at Kathmandu’s request to address complex ground challenges. An 11-member team comprising military doctors, paramedics, and a specialized reconnaissance crew was flown in to evaluate search-and-rescue operations inside submerged tunnels at the Trishuli-1 hydroelectric project, where workers remain trapped. India also offered prefabricated Bailey bridges and technical engineering support to re-establish road connectivity where river crossings were washed away, alongside keeping National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams on standby. Rescue Operations and Safe Return of Stranded CitizensThe Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that its 24x7 control room and the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu are actively coordinating with Nepalese security forces to locate uncontactable citizens, including Kailash Mansarovar Yatra pilgrims stranded along damaged border corridors in Rasuwa. The first batch of 21 rescued Indian nationals from Tamil Nadu has already been evacuated and safely brought back to New Delhi via Embassy arrangements. As search and clearance efforts continue across northern Nepal, Indian diplomatic channels remain in constant touch with local authorities to coordinate ongoing evacuations and facilitate safe transit back home.