India has dispatched its fifth aircraft carrying an 11-member specialised rescue team, search-and-rescue equipment and 5.5 tonnes of essential medicines to support Nepal's ongoing relief operations after devastating floods.

 India has stepped up its humanitarian assistance to flood-hit Nepal, with a fifth aircraft carrying an 11-member specialised rescue team and 5.5 tonnes of essential medicines departing for the neighbouring country on Wednesday.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced the latest assistance in a social media post, saying the aircraft was carrying the rescue team along with specialised equipment and essential medicines. 

The latest deployment comes as Nepal continues large-scale search, rescue and relief operations following devastating flash floods that struck the country last week.

11-member rescue team joins relief effort

The specialised team has been sent with search-and-rescue equipment to strengthen ongoing operations in flood-affected areas.

The assistance is aimed at supporting Nepalese authorities in locating and rescuing people still trapped or missing following the disaster, while helping relief agencies respond to the continuing humanitarian needs.

Nepal has suffered extensive damage from the floods, with authorities reporting more than 1,000 deaths and thousands of people still missing. More than 12,000 people have been rescued, according to reports citing Nepalese authorities. 

5.5 tonnes of essential medicines sent

Alongside the rescue personnel and equipment, the aircraft is carrying 5.5 tonnes of essential medicines.

The medical supplies are intended to support healthcare requirements in areas affected by the floods, where local health infrastructure and access to medical services have been disrupted.

The latest consignment follows earlier Indian assistance, including medical teams, relief material and technical support for search-and-rescue operations. 

India's relief assistance reaches 68.5 tonnes

With the latest effort, India has so far supplied 68.5 tonnes of relief material to Nepal, according to reports. New Delhi has also sent doctors, paramedics and technical personnel to assist with the response. 

India's assistance is being provided as part of its humanitarian response to the disaster and reflects its broader Neighbourhood First approach towards regional cooperation and disaster relief. 

The first Indian relief assistance was sent shortly after the floods struck on August 26. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spoken with Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah and assured him of India's support following the disaster. 

Nepal faces major infrastructure damage

The floods have also damaged critical infrastructure across Nepal.

Reports citing local authorities said 35 motorable bridges, 45 suspension bridges and around 40 km of black-topped roads have been affected, particularly in central Nepal. 

The damage to roads and bridges has complicated access to affected communities and increased the importance of specialised rescue teams and emergency supplies.

With search operations still underway and thousands of people unaccounted for, India's latest aircraft is expected to add further capacity to Nepal's ongoing rescue and relief efforts.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will visit Ukraine and Poland from September 3 to 5, with talks expected to focus on strengthening bilateral relations, regional developments and issues of mutual interest.

 External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will undertake an official visit to Ukraine and Poland from September 3 to 5, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Wednesday.

During the visit, Jaishankar will hold bilateral consultations with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Poland's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski. The discussions will focus on strengthening India's bilateral relations with both European countries and exchanging views on regional developments and issues of mutual interest. 

The visit comes as India continues to maintain diplomatic engagement with Ukraine while also stressing dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Jaishankar's Ukraine visit

Jaishankar's talks with Sybiha are expected to cover the broader India-Ukraine relationship as well as developments surrounding the ongoing war.

The two ministers had spoken by phone on August 26. According to Ukraine's Foreign Ministry, Sybiha briefed Jaishankar about the situation in the Black Sea, including intensified attacks on Ukrainian ports and maritime routes. They also discussed freedom of navigation and ways to advance bilateral cooperation.

The upcoming visit also follows recent discussions between Ukrainian officials and India's ambassador in Kyiv on India's potential role in efforts aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war. Ukrainian officials have indicated that Kyiv wants continued dialogue with New Delhi on the peace process.

India has consistently advocated dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the conflict, while maintaining relationships with both Moscow and Kyiv.

Focus on India-Poland ties

Jaishankar will also travel to Poland for discussions with Sikorski. The visit comes amid efforts to further expand India's engagement with Poland following the establishment of a strategic partnership between the two countries in 2024.

India and Poland have identified areas including trade and investment, technology, agriculture, connectivity, mining, energy, environment, digital cooperation and defence as areas for deeper bilateral engagement.

The Poland leg also comes ahead of an expected visit to India by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, with preparations for the visit already under discussion between the two countries. 

Wider European engagement

Jaishankar's two-country visit comes at a time of significant geopolitical changes in Europe, with the Russia-Ukraine conflict continuing to affect regional security, energy and food supplies.

For New Delhi, the visit provides an opportunity to maintain high-level political engagement with both Ukraine and Poland while advancing India's economic and strategic interests in Europe.

The MEA has described the visit primarily as an opportunity to enhance bilateral relations and exchange views on regional developments and issues of mutual interest.