17 September 2026 (Navroze Bureau) : India has stepped up its humanitarian assistance to flood-hit Nepal, with a fifth Indian aircraft carrying an 11-member specialised rescue team, rescue equipment and 5.5 tonnes of essential medicines departing for the neighbouring country.
The latest assistance is part of India’s ongoing rescue and relief operations following devastating flash floods in Nepal. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar confirmed the departure of the aircraft on September 2.
Rescue Team Equipped for Tunnel Operations
The 11-member team includes specialists equipped to support difficult rescue operations in areas affected by flooding and debris.
The team is being deployed to assist with operations around hydropower tunnels, where rescue efforts have been complicated by mud, debris, restricted access and difficult mountainous terrain.
5.5 Tonnes of Essential Medicines Sent
The aircraft also carried around 5.5 tonnes of medical supplies, including antibiotics, analgesics, surgical items and other essential medicines.
The latest consignment adds to India’s continuing humanitarian assistance to Nepal, with the total relief assistance delivered by India reaching around 74 tonnes, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.
Rescue Operations Continue in Difficult Conditions
Indian and Nepali rescue teams are working together at tunnel sites including Chilime and Langtang.
At Chilime, the Indian team has faced extremely restricted access, marshy tunnel floors and limitations on the use of heavy equipment because of the terrain. Rescue personnel have used improvised techniques to move deeper into the affected tunnels.
Indian Nationals Rescued
India’s assistance has also focused on its citizens affected by the disaster.
The MEA said the number of Indian nationals rescued had reached 163 by September 1, with additional people being brought to safety as rescue operations continued.
Forensic Team Helps Identify Victims
Alongside rescue operations, an Indian forensic team has been assisting Nepalese authorities with DNA analysis and victim identification.
The forensic team is working with Nepali counterparts in Kathmandu to process DNA samples and help families identify victims recovered from the disaster.
India-Nepal Cooperation During Disaster
The latest deployment highlights India’s continuing support for Nepal under its Neighbourhood First approach and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief framework.
Indian teams are working alongside the Nepal Army and other local agencies as authorities continue searching for missing people and recovering bodies.
Large-Scale Disaster in Nepal
The assistance comes amid the enormous humanitarian challenge created by the floods. Nepalese authorities have reported thousands of people missing, while rescue teams continue operations in mountainous areas and at damaged hydropower facilities.
India Continues Relief Mission
With the fifth aircraft now deployed, India’s rescue and relief mission in Nepal is continuing across multiple fronts, including tunnel rescue, medical assistance, victim identification and support for affected Indian nationals.