New Delhi (Sputnik) — India on Wednesday officially declined all aid offered by a number of states, including the United Arab of Emirates (UAE), the Maldives, and Thailand for relief assistance to the flood-affected state of Kerala. In a late night statement, external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said that India appreciated the offers but was turning down the offer "in line with existing policy."
— Firstpost (@firstpost) August 22, 2018
— SK Iyer (@iyer_sk) August 23, 2018
"The Government is committed to meeting the requirements for relief and rehabilitation through domestic efforts," Raveesh Kumar, a spokesperson for the ministry of external affairs, stated.
— R. Ramakumar (@ramakumarr) August 22, 2018
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 18, 2018
The Indian government, nevertheless, is accepting contributions from non-resident Indians, persons of Indian origin and international foundations.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 18, 2018
However, the government of Kerala has criticized the central government led by Narendra Modi for refusing foreign aid while itself not providing adequate assistance to the state.
"It's natural for countries to help each other during a crisis. It happens everywhere. The national disaster management policy announced by the Centre in May 2016 has clearly stated that accepting voluntary contributions from foreign countries during a crisis is permissible," Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan told the media.
— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) August 22, 2018
Modi's critics have observed that foreign aid in times of natural disasters of such intensity should not be linked with politics.
— Ravi Nair (@t_d_h_nair) August 23, 2018
— Suvarna Haridas #RebuildKerala (@Suvarna_Haridas) August 23, 2018
"A global donor meet was held for Kutch after 2001 quake; should be one for Kerala too! When it comes to funds; not a moment to cite Manmohan Singh Govt precedent. Just take all the voluntary aid we get from across the world and help rebuild Kerala. If UAE offers help, take it!" Rajdeep Sardesai, a senior journalist, argued.
More than 300 people have been reported killed and over a million are in relief camps following incessant rains in the southern Indian state of Kerala since mid-August.
