NFA (KATHMANDU, 8 December 2021) – The External Affairs Minister of India Dr. S. Jaishankar (EAM) addressed the International Conference on Nepal’s Reconstruction through a video message today. He congratulated Government of Nepal for organizing this event which provided the valuable opportunity to deliberate upon the learnings from the 2015 earthquake and the experiences in emergency response, reconstruction and recovery led by Nepal with its international partners. The Ambassador of India to Nepal also attended the event.
In his address, EAM informed that during the first International Conference on Nepal’s Reconstruction on June 25, 2015, the Government of India had pledged USD 1 billion as support for earthquake reconstruction; one-fourth of it was committed as grant assistance to be utilized for health, culture heritage, housing and education sectors. Over the last five years and more, India has substantially fulfilled the commitment under various priority sectors identified by Government of Nepal.
EAM also mentioned that reconstruction of 50000 owner-driven houses in Gorkha and Nuwakot districts under Indian-assistance has been completed. The projects in remaining sectors of health, education and culture are also under progress. GoI is funding reconstruction of 70 schools and a Library, 132 health facilities and 28 cultural heritage sector projects in various earthquake-affected districts of Nepal.
He appreciated the resilience of the people of Nepal in rebuilding their lives and communities from the debris of destruction. He said that with such dedicated efforts, Nepal’s reconstruction is nearing successful completion as the lessons learnt and capacities rebuilt get mainstreamed into its overall development priorities.
EAM emphasized that India’s development cooperation with Nepal is multi-faceted and multi-dimensional and has stood the test of time and our mutual cooperation extends to every area of human endeavor and is informed by the inter-twined destinies and development paths that join the people of both countries. He said that as close partners with unparalleled civilizational and socio-cultural connect, mutual support and solidarity in times of need has been an integral part of our bilateral ethos and action. He underscored that India will always unhesitatingly step up to support the people of Nepal whenever called to do so.
EAM applauded the spirit and resilience of the Nepali nation that emerged from the ashes of destruction to undertake the task of rebuilding better and leaving no one behind in the process. He said that it is a matter of honour and pride that India and its people could contribute to Nepal’s journey of post-earthquake reconstruction. Our partnership in this regard also testifies to the durability and strength of the ties between our two great countries.