India hopes US$ 2 billion aid will help Nepal recover quickly

KATHMANDU: Hailing "steely determination" of Nepalese people, India hoped its US$ two billion assistance, including the US$ 1 billion aid announced today, would help the quake-ravaged nation in its huge reconstruction efforts and said it will stand behind its oldest friend and neighbour.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, addressing an international donors' conference here, pledged to offer US$ 1 billion in aid to Nepal over and above its existing billion dollar developmental assistance.

A quarter of the US$ 1 billion assistance announced today will be grant.

"The terrible disaster and continuing aftershocks have not diminished the indomitable spirit of the Nepalese people. They are calm and dignified in their tragedy. I see a quiet confidence and a steely determination as they seek to rebuild their lives and their communities," Swaraj said.

She expressed confidence that from the "debris of destruction, a stronger, united and more confident" Nepal will rise.

Swaraj said ensuring "efficient and transparent" utilisation of funds will be a challenge for Nepal.

"It will require a robust institutional mechanism and the tireless dedication of an empowered team of officials. We welcome the Government of Nepal's decision to set up such an empowered extraordinary mechanism. We stand ready to depute our professionals to share their expertise and experience with it," she said.

A report on Post Disaster Needs Assessment has estimated the cost of reconstruction at US$ 6.7 billion.

"India stands ready to provide a lead and shoulder its responsibilities towards Nepal, our oldest and closest friend and neighbour," she said.

Swaraj conveyed India's "deep and abiding commitment" to rebuilding of Nepal and highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi ensured a prompt rescue and relief operation within six hours of the 7.9-magnitude April 25 quake.

"Today I convey to you the deep and abiding commitment of the Government and 1.25 billion people of India and the personal commitment of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to stand shoulder to shoulder with you as you seek to wipe the tears of every Nepali," Swaraj said.

"We reacted as if a disaster had struck India," she said.

There has been an overwhelming outpouring of sympathy, support and solidarity for Nepal and the people in India "opened their hearts" to come to the country's assistance, she said.