India today said it has adequate ability to respond to emergency requirements, justifying its decision to decline the offer of assistance by Russia in rescue and relief operations in Uttarakhand, which was hit by severe flash floods last month.
However, the government said if there was any other offer in the rehabilitation and reconstruction phase, it can examine that.
"As general policy, in case of rescue and relief operations we have followed the practice that we have adequate ability to respond to emergency requirements," spokesperson in the External Affairs Ministry said, adding that in past also, unless there were any specific circumstances, the country has not accepted offers of assistance for rescue and relief.
However, these events have long-term impact and there are phases beyond rescue and relief, he said.
"There are rehabilitation and reconstruction and so on. And if relief and other measures are provided for those elements we will examine them and how they fit into the broader plan of rehabilitation and reconstruction and take a call at that stage," the spokesperson added.
According to reports, the Russian Emergency Situation Ministry chief, Vladimir Andreyevich Puchkov, had written to Home Minister Sunilkumar Shinde proposing assistance by their elite rescue teams in Uttarakhand. However, the proposal was declined stating that the rescue operations were almost over.
