MEA responds to Nepal FM’s climate change remarks, calls for action by developed nations

New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday said 275 Indian nationals remain missing following the disaster in Nepal, as efforts continue to trace those unaccounted for. The ministry said it remains in close touch with Nepalese authorities and concerned state governments in India as rescue and relief operations continue.

The MEA spokesman, Randhir Jaiswal, said 166 Indians have been brought to safety in Nepal so far. He added that the ministry is maintaining communication with the Nepali government and its foreign ministry and is issuing information about Indian nationals who have been rescued.

He also said the government is closely monitoring the movement of Indian nationals who entered Nepal from China. According to Jaiswal, 1,907 Indian nationals have safely crossed into Nepal, while Chinese authorities have confirmed that no Indian travellers are currently stranded in the Tibetan region.

Jaiswal also addressed comments made by Nepal’s foreign minister concerning climate change. He said India views climate change as a challenge that affects all countries, while maintaining that nations with greater historical responsibility should assume a larger role in mitigation efforts. Such countries, he said, should also help developing nations with funding and access to relevant technology.

India-backed Greater Male project reaches key milestone

The MEA also highlighted the progress of the Greater Male Connectivity Project in the Maldives, describing it as a “stellar example of Indian assistance”.

A 2km bridge connecting Male and Vilimal is the first completed section of the wider 6.74km connectivity network. The Maldives president, Mohamed Muizzu, walked across the bridge on August 30, marking the first direct pedestrian link between the two islands.

The larger project will connect Male, Vilimale, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi through a network of bridges, causeways and roads.

India is a key development partner in the project, which is being executed by Indian infrastructure company Afcons Infrastructure with financial support from New Delhi. The project follows an agreement signed between India and the Maldives in 2021 and is expected to be completed by 2026.

The connectivity network is expected to ease movement between the islands and strengthen links between residential, commercial and economic centres. The project is particularly significant for the Maldives, where inter-island travel has traditionally depended heavily on boats and other forms of marine transport.

MEA rejects Kashmir remark by Birmingham

The ministry separately reacted to comments made by the lord mayor of Birmingham concerning Jammu & Kashmir. Jaiswal reiterated India’s position that Jammu & Kashmir is an integral part of the country, rejecting the description of the region as part of Pakistan.