Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah has praised India’s assistance following the devastating floods, calling the situation “exceptional” and highlighting the rapid response of Indian technicians and rescue teams. India has continued its large-scale humanitarian and disaster relief operation, with the fifth tranche of relief bringing total assistance to 68.5 tonnes. The latest support includes medicines and an 11-member rescue team. Balen Shah said Indian technicians reached remote areas as soon as conditions allowed, despite extreme mud and sludge that left even excavators and Nepal’s Army and Armed Police Force struggling to find space to operate.  

A fresh cross-border peace initiative has brought together 117 prominent voices from India and Pakistan, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to resume dialogue and work towards restoring normal bilateral relations. The appeal, issued by the Centre for Peace and Progress, argues that sustained engagement remains the only viable path to addressing longstanding differences between the two neighbours. The signatories say continued dialogue is essential for regional stability, economic cooperation and securing a better future for younger generations on both sides of the border. The joint statement has been endorsed by several well-known political leaders, diplomats, academics and public figures from both countries. Among the Indian signatories are Farooq Abdullah, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Mehbooba Mufti, while former Pakistani Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri is among the prominent voices supporting the initiative. WATCH