India was the first country to respond when the first major tremor struck the country on April 25. Troops from 18 countries arrived in Nepal to help in the rescue and relief efforts led by the NA.

“Nepal Army is grateful for the support from foreign militaries for more than a month,” said Maj Gen Binoj Basnyat, who commanded the NA’s rescue and relief efforts named “Operation Sankat Mochan”.

All of the 4,316 personnel have returned home after accomplishing their assignments. Personnel from India, China, the United States and the United Kingdom, among other nations, had helped Nepali authorities respond to the disaster. Along with them, 23 military aircraft were deployed to provide humanitarian support.

Maj Gen Basnyat stressed the need to better equip Nepal Army so that it can work more efficiently both in the country and outside in times of need. He said the Army has efficient human resource and effective training but it lacks adequate means for air and land transportation and equipment for humanitarian support.

According to the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, the military aircraft IAF C-17 took off from Tribhuvan International Airport at 2:30pm, carrying the remaining relief team members along with five helicopters including two ALH. India named the relief mission as “Operation Maitri”.

Indian armed forces arrived in the country within six hours of the disaster. Ten National Disaster Response Force teams, one Army Engineering Task Force and 18 Army medical units were dispatched within 24 hours.

During their five-week stay in Nepal, 16 NDRF teams (over 700 personnel) were deployed in various parts of Kathmandu.

“Operation Maitri” is said to be India’s largest ever post-disaster response outside the country.