Addressing the International Conference on Nepal’s Reconstruction in Kathmandu on Thursday, External Affairs Minister of India, Sushma Swaraj announced the Indian aid. The Indian aid will be used in Nepal’s reconstruction bid along with rebuilding some key heritage sites that were destroyed by the deadly earthquake of April 25.

"Nepal is not alone," she said, "Today I convey to you the deep and abiding commitment of GOI and 1.25 billion people of India to stand shoulder to shoulder with you." "Operation Maitri was our largest ever disaster assistance effort abroad valued at nearly Rs 400 billion, she said. From the debris of destruction a stronger united and more confident Nepal will rise," said Sushma, adding that need of the hour is to conceptualise a holistic recovery programme that balances short-term requirements & long-term need. Calling Nepal-India ties as Roti and Beti, she said, we need to reinforce  culture, religion, tradition, language, literature & mythologies.

Nepal is now heading to ever major reconstruction bid, she said while hailing Nepal’s bid of creating reconstruction authority. Raising huge US $ 6.7 billion for reconstruction as a challenging task, she said adding that Nepal is not alone, we all should come together. “ As an oldest and closest friend, India is ready to stand with Nepal.”

We welcome the formation of the reconstruction mechanism but Nepal needs technical assistance in long term, she said, while cautioning the efficient of funds.