India to Provide USD 75 Million to Nepal for Earthquake Reconstruction Efforts

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday announced that India will extend a financial package of USD 75 million for the reconstruction of infrastructure in Nepal’s western district affected by last year’s quake.

His remarks came as he jointly inaugurated with his Nepalese counterpart N P Saud the Tribhuvan University Central Library and other projects undertaken in Kathmandu after the 2015 earthquake in Nepal. Speaking at the event, the minister said India was saddened to learn of the casualties and devastation caused by the earthquake that struck the western parts of Nepal in November last year.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi had expressed solidarity, the people and leadership of Nepal and had committed to extend all possible assistance,” he said. “I also communicated yesterday to Prime Minister (Pushapa Kamal Dahal) Prachanda about our decision to extend the financial package of Nepalese rupees 1,000 crore that is USD 75 million for the reconstruction of infrastructure in these affected districts,” he said.

“We shall continue to stand by the people of Nepal and contribute to the efforts of the government of Nepal on this,” he said. Under the leadership of PM Modi, India is committed to continuing redefining its relationship with partners in our neighbourhood, especially with Nepal, he added.

Jaishankar arrived in Nepal on Thursday on his first visit to a foreign country in 2024. On the same day, Minister Jaishankar and his Nepalese counterpart co-chaired the 7th meeting of the India-Nepal Joint Commission, which reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral cooperation including developmental partnership.

The External Affairs Minister on Friday inaugurated 59 post-earthquake reconstruction projects in the education, health and culture sectors, including the new building of the Tribhuvan University Central Library, which has been built with the Government of India’s grant assistance.

Nepal is a priority partner of India under its ‘Neigbhbourhood First’ policy. The visit is in keeping with the tradition of high-level exchanges between two close and friendly neighbours. Jaishankar is expected to return to India on Friday.

(With agency inputs)