Devastating floods and widespread landslides triggered by torrential rainfall have caused severe disruption across Nepal. In response to the escalating crisis, the Government of India has launched an extensive rescue and relief operation to assist affected nationals and support neighboring relief efforts. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that 21 Indian nationals from Tamil Nadu, who were stranded in flood affected zones, have been successfully evacuated from Kathmandu and brought to Delhi. Upon their arrival in the national capital, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar personally interacted with the pilgrims to assure them of complete support. However, concern remains high as 320 Indian citizens in various parts of Nepal are currently untraceable with no direct communication established so far. Additionally, nearly 100 foreign nationals of Indian origin who were participating in the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra are also reported missing. Indian diplomatic authorities are collaborating closely with Nepal officials to locate all untraceable individuals.
Status of Untraceable Citizens and Ongoing Evacuation Operations
Providing updates on the rescue measures, the Ministry of External Affairs stated that field operations are proceeding at maximum capacity. Before the group of 21 Tamil Nadu pilgrims departed Kathmandu for Delhi, the Indian Ambassador in Kathmandu met them to ensure their well being and review transit arrangements. In another major development, 63 Indian nationals employed at the Trishuli One Hydro Power Project have been successfully rescued from hazardous zones.
Furthermore, a group of 96 Indian citizens who were stranded near the border with China managed to safely enter Nepalese territory. Rapid procedures are currently underway to facilitate their smooth return to India. The Ministry of External Affairs reiterated that active tracing continues for the 320 Indian nationals whose whereabouts remain unconfirmed. Simultaneous efforts are focused on gathering information regarding the 100 missing pilgrims of Indian origin who were on the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage circuit.
Ministerial Interaction in Delhi and Recognition of Relief Agencies
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a personal meeting with the 21 rescued Tamil Nadu pilgrims in Delhi to hear their firsthand experiences during the calamity. In a statement shared on X on August 28, 2026, the External Affairs Minister expressed deep emotion upon meeting the returned group. He formally extended gratitude to the Nepal Army Headquarters and the Government of Nepal for their decisive intervention during the rescue operation.
The Minister also appreciated the proactive facilitation provided by the Indian Embassy in Nepal, which made the rapid evacuation feasible. Officials emphasized that the emergency mission will persist without interruption until every single Indian citizen trapped in the flood hit regions is safely accounted for and repatriated.
India's Humanitarian Relief Package and Infrastructure Assistance
Demonstrating solidarity during the humanitarian disaster, India has extended comprehensive assistance to Nepal. Two specialized aircraft loaded with emergency relief supplies have already landed in Nepal, while a third consignment is scheduled for immediate dispatch. At the specific request of the Nepalese government, Indian authorities have organized a specialized tunnel rescue team. A reconnaissance team equipped with essential survey equipment is being deployed beforehand to evaluate field conditions.
A dedicated medical team is also being dispatched to provide urgent healthcare services on the ground. To repair breached roadways and restore vital transport links, India offered technical personnel alongside Bailey bridges. One such Bailey bridge is already available on site in Nepal and can be commissioned immediately for connectivity restoration. Additionally, India offered specialized National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams equipped with modern gear, ready to deploy the moment formal clearance is granted by Nepal.
