India launches urgent operation to trace nationals in Nepal flood crisis

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar confirmed on Thursday that India is undertaking urgent measures to determine the status and safety of all Indian citizens trapped in flood-affected areas of Nepal. The minister reviewed the crisis situation in a high-level meeting that included virtual participation from Indian ambassadors stationed in Kathmandu and Beijing.

Nepal's Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal earlier stated that approximately 300 Indian tourists remain unaccounted for among the thousands of people missing across the nation following devastating flash floods that ravaged parts of the Nepal-Tibet border region. The scale of the humanitarian crisis has prompted intensified coordination between New Delhi and Kathmandu.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs is actively coordinating rescue and assessment efforts with multiple government ministries, state authorities, tour operators and other stakeholders to manage the response. "We are working closely with relevant authorities to ensure comprehensive support to those affected," Jaishankar said.

The disaster underscores the risks posed by extreme weather events in the Himalayan region, which experiences regular monsoon-driven flooding. India's diplomatic missions in Nepal and the broader South Asian region are maintaining heightened alert status to assist citizens in distress.