27 August,2026 04:23 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that India was making every effort to establish contact with the missing Indians through the Nepalese authorities. PIC/X
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said 288 Indian nationals remain uncontactable following the devastating flash floods in Nepal, as India continues efforts to trace the missing people through Nepalese authorities.
Addressing a special media briefing on the Nepal disaster in New Delhi, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to his Nepalese counterpart Balendra Shah on Wednesday and expressed India's solidarity with Nepal, offering all possible humanitarian assistance, news agency IANS reported.
Providing details of the Indian nationals who remain out of contact, Jaiswal said the 288 people include 73 Indians working on the Trishuli-1 Power Project.
"Our Embassy in Kathmandu is in touch with project head to get more details about these people as you well understand that communication lines in that area, they are totally disrupted and therefore it has been difficult to get in touch with people on the ground," he stated.
Jaiswal said two groups of 37 and 49 Indian nationals from Tamil Nadu who had travelled for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Samrat and Fly Everest Travels were also among those who have not been traced.
Another 32 Indian nationals from West Bengal, who travelled with the help of Samrat Travels, were in Timure in Rasuwa district, one of the areas severely affected by the disaster.
Sixty-one Indian nationals from different states who had travelled through Richa Tours and 33 Indian nationals from Kerala were also among those who remain out of contact.
"These are five major groups who comprise by and large, the 288 people that we are talking about," Jaiswal said.
He added that India was making every effort to establish contact with the missing Indians through the Nepalese authorities.
"We will have more updates for you on this particular matter and we will try to keep you updated as soon as possible," he said.
The MEA Spokesperson said 21 Indian nationals have been rescued so far in Nepal.
"As of 1300 hrs today, we have been able to rescue 21 Indian nationals. This group of 21 people are from Tamil Nadu," Jaiswal stated.
He added that the Indian Embassy and the Ambassador had spoken to the rescued Indians and assured them of all possible assistance.
The group is expected to reach Kathmandu, following which arrangements will be made for their return home.
Jaiswal also said several Indian nationals who travelled to China for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra remain stranded on the Chinese side.
The Indian Embassy in Beijing is coordinating with local authorities for their safe evacuation, he said.
"Approximately 200 Indian nationals" have sought assistance for evacuation, Jaiswal said. Of these, 95 were in Darchen and were proceeding towards Hilsa to cross into Nepal.
Four others were in Guilin, while 30 were in Zutulpuk and were travelling towards Saga. Another 60-70 Indians were also heading towards Saga, he said.
Jaiswal said the Indian mission remained in touch with local authorities and was working for the rescue and evacuation of those stranded.
"There may be some people who are missing there and we are trying our best to locate them through the local authorities," he added.
The MEA also said it had received information about persons of Indian origin, including a large group from the Isha Foundation, comprising people of Indian origin, foreign nationals and possibly some Indian nationals, who remain uncontactable.
Jaiswal cautioned that the figures were based on preliminary information and could change as authorities receive more details.
"As I said at the beginning of my remarks, the information we are providing you is based on the preliminary information that has been shared with us. We are in a dynamic situation," he said.
The massive flooding, originating in the Tibetan region, swept through the transboundary Bhote Koshi River, causing widespread destruction in Nepal.
The death toll from the flash floods has risen to more than 270, while more than 800 people remain out of contact, according to Nepali authorities.
(With IANS inputs)
