17 September 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : India has sent its fifth aircraft carrying emergency assistance to flood-hit Nepal, with an 11-member specialised rescue team, rescue equipment and 5.5 tonnes of essential medicines being dispatched to support ongoing relief and search operations.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced the departure of the aircraft, saying the latest assistance was part of India’s continuing humanitarian response to the devastating floods in Nepal.
11-Member Rescue Team Deployed
The aircraft is carrying an 11-member specialised rescue team equipped to assist with challenging search and rescue operations.
The team is expected to work in coordination with Nepali authorities and the Nepal Army, particularly in areas where difficult terrain and damaged infrastructure have complicated rescue efforts.
5.5 Tonnes of Essential Medicines
The latest relief shipment includes around 5.5 tonnes of medical supplies, including antibiotics, analgesics, surgical materials and other essential medicines.
The supplies are intended to support medical teams treating people affected by the floods and to strengthen emergency healthcare capacity in disaster-hit areas.
India’s Relief Assistance Reaches Nepal
With the latest shipment, India’s total relief assistance to Nepal has reached around 74 tonnes, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.
The assistance is being provided under India’s broader humanitarian and disaster-relief response and follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s assurance of support to Nepal after the floods struck.
Tunnel Rescue Operations Continue
Indian rescue teams are also assisting with search operations at hydropower tunnels in Chilime, where difficult conditions have slowed the recovery effort.
The MEA said rescue personnel have been dealing with deep slush and blockages inside the tunnels. The team was able to advance around 100 metres during one phase of the operation.
Nepal Faces Severe Flood Impact
The latest Indian assistance comes as Nepal continues to deal with the aftermath of devastating flash floods.
Nepalese authorities have reported more than 1,000 deaths, while thousands of people remain missing as search and rescue operations continue across affected areas.
Indian Nationals Also Rescued
India’s relief operation also includes efforts to assist Indian citizens affected by the disaster.
The MEA reported that 166 Indian nationals had been rescued by September 2, with additional people being brought to safety as operations continued.
Forensic Team Helps Identify Victims
Alongside rescue and medical assistance, India has deployed a forensic team to Nepal.
The team is working with Nepalese authorities on DNA examination and analysis to help speed up the identification of victims whose remains have not yet been identified.
India-Nepal Cooperation Intensifies
The deployment of the fifth aircraft highlights the expanding cooperation between India and Nepal during the disaster.
Rescue teams, medical supplies, forensic assistance and specialised equipment are being used to support Nepal’s response as authorities continue searching for missing people and restoring access to affected areas.