Kharge urges Centre to aid flood-hit Nepal, ensure safe return of stranded Indians

Congress president and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging the government to provide humanitarian and relief assistance to flood-ravaged Nepal and to intensify efforts to ensure the safety and evacuation of Indian nationals stranded there.

In his letter dated August 28, released on Saturday (August 29, 2026), Mr. Kharge said he was deeply concerned about the devastation caused by the floods, which, according to recent media reports, had claimed more than 600 lives and left thousands of people missing. He noted that thousands of people were in urgent need of food, medicines, shelter and other essential assistance.

“I request you to ensure that adequate humanitarian and relief assistance is provided to the affected people of Nepal in coordination with the Government of Nepal,” Mr. Kharge urged the Prime Minister.

The Leader of the Opposition also raised concerns about Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin stranded in different parts of Nepal because of the floods. He urged the Centre to issue necessary directions to intensify rescue and evacuation efforts and make arrangements for their safe and early return to India.

Referring to information from the Ministry of External Affairs, Mr. Kharge said around 320 Indian nationals remained uncontactable in Nepal and called for immediate steps to provide all possible assistance to them.

In a separate letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Mr. Kharge urged the government to consider extending “immediate and comprehensive” humanitarian and disaster-relief assistance to Nepal, underlining the deep and enduring ties between the two countries.

He suggested that the deployment of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, wherever required and in coordination with the Nepal government, should be considered to assist in rescue, evacuation and relief operations. Mr. Kharge noted that the NDRF’s expertise and experience in responding to natural disasters could provide valuable support in saving lives and bringing urgent relief to affected communities.

Urging the Home Ministry to treat the matter with “urgency and sensitivity,” Mr. Kharge emphasised the need for a swift and coordinated response to the crisis in the neighbouring country.

The devastating floods in Nepal, triggered by heavy monsoon rains, have caused widespread destruction, affecting thousands of families. The disaster has also impacted cross-border movement and communication, leaving many Indian nationals and people of Indian origin stranded in remote areas.

While the Indian government has yet to publicly respond to Mr. Kharge’s letters, officials have previously indicated that rescue and relief efforts are being coordinated with Nepalese authorities. The external affairs ministry has been in touch with Indian nationals in Nepal and has set up helplines for those seeking assistance.

India and Nepal share close historical, cultural and economic ties, and New Delhi has traditionally extended support to its neighbour during natural calamities. The appeal by the opposition leader highlights the importance of continued cooperation and timely humanitarian action in the region.

As the situation in Nepal remains fluid, the focus now is on ensuring the safety of affected populations and restoring normalcy in the flood-hit areas.