Shah conveys gratitude to outgoing Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava, highlighting India’s relief and rescue assistance following August 26 disaster
Kathmandu, Sept 2026 : Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Tuesday expressed special gratitude to India for its support during the rescue and relief operations following the devastating floods and landslides that struck the country in August.
Shah conveyed his appreciation during a farewell meeting with Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar. Srivastava is returning to India after completing his tenure as ambassador. The two also discussed Nepal-India relations and matters of mutual cooperation.
India was among the countries that extended assistance to Nepal after the August 26 disaster, which severely affected areas along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers. India sent relief supplies, including medicines, temporary shelters, hygiene kits and other essential material. It also deployed specialised teams to assist Nepal in rescue operations and victim identification.
India's assistance followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's August 26 conversation with Shah, during which he conveyed condolences over the loss of lives and assured Nepal of India's readiness to provide humanitarian assistance.
The disaster has resulted in a large number of deaths and missing persons, with search and identification operations continuing. Nepal's disaster authorities reported 1,453 bodies recovered and 5,285 people missing as of September 25.
Shah had also highlighted the international response to the disaster during his address to the United Nations General Assembly on September 24, expressing gratitude to countries that supported Nepal, particularly India and China.
During Tuesday's meeting, Shah said relations between Nepal and India had traditionally remained close and cordial. He congratulated Srivastava on completing his tenure and wished him success in his future assignments.
Srivastava said several development projects involving Nepal and India had been completed during his tenure. He also thanked the Nepal government and people for their cooperation and support throughout his posting.
Srivastava assumed charge as India's Ambassador to Nepal in June 2022, after serving in India's Ministry of External Affairs, where he headed the East Asia Division dealing with relations with China, Japan, South Korea, Mongolia and North Korea.
