Kathmandu, August 2026: India has intensified its rescue and humanitarian assistance efforts following the devastating flash floods that struck Nepal’s Bhote Koshi area on August 26, causing loss of life and extensive damage to homes, roads, bridges and other infrastructure downstream.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Nepal’s Prime Minister on August 26 and expressed condolences over the tragedy, assuring that India stands in solidarity with Nepal and is ready to provide all possible humanitarian assistance. India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar subsequently spoke with Nepal’s Foreign Minister on August 28.
According to the Indian government, 108 Indian nationals have so far been rescued in Nepal, while contact has been re-established with around 50 others who were previously unreachable. Meanwhile, 598 Indian nationals have crossed safely into Nepal from China over the past two days, according to local Chinese government sources. Around 900 Indian nationals remain on the Chinese side and are reported to be safe and in contact.
However, more than 275 Indian nationals and 128 persons of Indian origin remain missing or uncontactable.
India has established a 24-hour control room at the Ministry of External Affairs, while its embassies in Kathmandu and Beijing are operating round-the-clock helplines and coordinating with Nepali and Chinese authorities on search, rescue and relief operations.
The Government of India has also offered the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to support Nepal’s search and rescue operations and has deployed Indian Air Force aircraft carrying emergency relief supplies.
So far, three IAF aircraft have transported around 57.5 tonnes of relief material to Nepal. A fourth sortie is being deployed with additional rescue personnel and equipment.
On August 26, an IAF C-130J Hercules delivered 10 tonnes of emergency supplies, including temporary shelters, blankets, hygiene kits, solar lamps and medicines. The following morning, an IAF C-17 Globemaster transported 37.5 tonnes of relief material, including tents, blankets, hygiene kits, solar lamps, dewatering pumps, kitchen sets, generators, medicines and food supplies.
On August 28, another C-130J Hercules transported a five-member Indian Army tunnel rescue reconnaissance team and a six-member medical team, along with an additional 10 tonnes of supplies. The tunnel rescue technical team has begun working in the affected area in coordination with Nepali authorities.
A fourth C-130J sortie is carrying a 13-member Indian Army specialist tunnel rescue team with equipment based on the reconnaissance team’s assessment. A 19-member contingent comprising six forensic teams is also being deployed to assist with DNA analysis and identification of mortal remains.
India is also mobilising additional assistance based on Nepal’s requirements, including Bailey bridges and technical teams to help restore connectivity in flood-affected areas. One Bailey bridge is already in Nepal and can be deployed to an affected location.
The Indian government said its embassies are also facilitating the safe return of rescued Indian nationals and assisting pilgrims returning from the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Nepal.
India has reiterated that, as close neighbours with longstanding civilizational and people-to-people ties, it stands firmly with Nepal during the disaster and remains committed to providing all possible humanitarian and relief assistance.
