The Ministry of External affairs on Wednesday, 22 August made clear that India will not accept international assistance in dealing with the aftermath of flood-ravaged Kerala.
In what came across as a polite rejection, an official spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs said that the government is committed to meeting rehabilitation needs through domestic efforts.
The Government of India deeply appreciates offers from several countries, including from foreign governments, to assist in relief and rehabilitation efforts after the tragic floods. In line with the existing policy, the Government is committed to meeting the requirements for relief and rehabilitation through domestic efforts.Official spokesperson, MEA
However, contributions to the Prime Minister's Relief Fund and the Chief Minister's Relief Fund from NRIs, PIOs and international entities such as foundations would be welcome, the spokesperson added.
A number of countries including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar and Maldives had announced assistance for flood relief operations in Kerala. While the UAE had offered USD 100 million (around Rs 700 crore) as financial assistance to Kerala, Qatar had pledged around Rs 35 crore and Maldives had announced a donation of USD 50,000 (Rs 35 lakh).
The Kerala government is understood to be unhappy over the Centre's decision not to accept donations from foreign governments for flood relief operations in the state.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan today said the state government would approach Prime Minister Narendra Modi to clear hurdles, if any, in receiving the flood relief aid offered to the state by the United Arab Emirates.
India ‘Capable of Meeting Requirements On It’s Own’
In a tweet, Thailand's Ambassador to India Chutintorn Sam Gongsakdi said Indian government has informed his country that it will not accept overseas donations for flood relief operations in Kerala.
Earlier, in a letter to Indian Association of Thailand, the envoy said he was in touch with Thai government and Thai companies present in India for extending possible assistance to Kerala.
Official sources said New Delhi is conveying to foreign governments that it was carrying out a comprehensive assessment of the damage caused by the floods in Kerala and is capable of meeting the requirements of the state on its own.
India is also informing the foreign governments offering assistance to Kerala that it has taken a considered decision to rely solely on domestic efforts to tide over the challenge.
The UAE offered the assistance of Rs 700 crore considering its links with Kerala. Around three million Indians live and work in the UAE out of which 80 per cent are from Kerala, according to official figure.
The floods in Kerala, worst in a century, have claimed lives of 231 people besides rendering over 14 lakh people homeless.
(With inputs from PTI)
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