India to provide $1 billion for quake-hit Nepal’s reconstruction: Sushma Swaraj

TNN

Kathmandu, 25 June 2015: External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday announced that India would provide an assistance of $1 billion for quake-hit Nepal’s reconstruction. 

 

The external affairs minister announced India’s assistance package in Kathmandu 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. 

 

India’s total assistance to Nepal over the next five years now stands at $2 billion, Swaraj said.

 

"Let us take inspiration from ancient philosophy of Yoga and join hands to create a more resilient Nepal," Sushma Swaraj said. 

 

Sushma Swaraj is on a two-day visit to Nepal.

 

On Wednesday, Swaraj called on Nepal Prime Minister Sushil Koirala and conveyed to him that India will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the quake-battered country in its massive reconstruction efforts and ensure "quickest" recovery. 

 

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.