15 September 2026 (Navroze Bureau) : India has sent its fifth aircraft carrying emergency assistance to flood-hit Nepal, with an 11-member specialised rescue team and 5.5 tonnes of essential medicines onboard.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced the departure, saying the aircraft was carrying specialised rescue equipment along with medical supplies as Nepal continues to deal with the devastating impact of floods and flash floods.
11-Member Rescue Team Deployed
The latest Indian mission includes an 11-member specialised rescue team equipped to support ongoing operations in affected areas.
The team is expected to assist Nepalese authorities in rescue and relief efforts, particularly in areas where difficult terrain and damaged infrastructure have complicated access.
5.5 Tonnes of Essential Medicines
The aircraft is also carrying 5.5 tonnes of essential medicines, aimed at supporting medical requirements in communities affected by the disaster.
The assistance forms part of India’s broader humanitarian response to Nepal’s ongoing crisis.
Fifth Relief Flight From India
The latest aircraft is the fifth Indian relief flight sent to Nepal as part of the emergency response.
India has been providing rescue personnel, specialised equipment and medical supplies under its wider humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.
Nepal Faces Massive Humanitarian Crisis
Nepal has been struggling with widespread destruction following severe floods and flash floods.
Rescue teams have faced difficult conditions while attempting to reach affected communities and people believed to be trapped in inaccessible areas. The disaster has also severely damaged roads and other infrastructure, making relief operations more challenging.
India Steps Up Neighbourhood Assistance
The latest deployment reflects India’s Neighbourhood First approach and its commitment to providing humanitarian assistance to neighbouring countries during major disasters.
The rescue team and medical supplies are expected to strengthen Nepal’s ongoing emergency response and help provide assistance to affected communities.
Focus on Rescue and Medical Relief
With rescue operations continuing in difficult conditions, specialised personnel and essential medicines remain critical.
The latest Indian aircraft is intended to supplement Nepal’s own emergency response and support teams working on the ground.
India-Nepal Cooperation During Crisis
The emergency assistance also highlights the close cooperation between India and Nepal during natural disasters.
The deployment of rescue personnel and medical supplies demonstrates the role of regional cooperation in responding to large-scale humanitarian emergencies.
Relief Operations Continue
As Nepal continues its rescue and recovery efforts, additional international assistance is expected to support medical care, search operations and relief distribution.
India’s fifth aircraft adds another layer of support to the ongoing response.