Kerala floods: India politely turns down international financial aid

In view of the whole world coming together and announcing aid for the Kerala flood victims, the Indian government has decided to stick to its long standing policy of not accepting monetary help from foreign countries.

In a note to all Indian Missions around the world, the government has directed its respective envoys to politely turn down the financial assistance from foreign countries saying that the Government of India has decided to "rely solely on domestic efforts" to combat the challenges.

"Early indications point towards requirements that are within the capacity of the people and Government of India to meet," the envoys have been asked to convey.

The United Arab Emirates and Maldives government have offered financial assistance to India. In the past Russia had offered assistance to India during the 2013 Uttarakhand floods, but the Government of India had politely declined the offer.

Syed Akbaruddin, the then Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, had clarified: "As you know, as a general policy in case of rescue and relief operations we have followed the practice that we have adequate ability to respond to emergency requirements. And, for a variety of reasons we have not in the past too, unless there are specific circumstances, been able to accept offers of assistance for rescue and relief."

"However, as you know, such events are cataclysmic in nature and they have a longer-term impact. So, beyond the rescue and relief phase, there are other phases. These are rehabilitation, reconstruction, and so on. If reconstruction and other measures are provided for those elements, we will examine how they fit into the broader plan in terms of rehabilitation and reconstruction in the region and take a call at that stage rather than say that this was for all times, etc. I hope I have clarified our position on that," he had said.

Kerala has been witnessing incessant rainfall over the last few days, causing unprecedented flooding and landslides in several parts of the state. So far, 357 people have lost their lives due to the floods.