India stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Nepal: Sushma Swaraj

New Delhi, May 7: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday signed a condolence book at the Nepali embassy here and assured that the government and people of India stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Nepalese people in the wake of the devastating earthquake.

The minister also met Nepalese envoy Deep Kumar Upadhyay. The external affairs ministry tweeted photographs of the minister visiting the Nepali embassy.

Sushma Swaraj assured all possible help to Nepal to cope with the aftermath of the devastating April 25 quake.

She said the government and people of India were deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic loss of life and massive destruction of property in the Himalayan country.

"Several thousand people have died and many more have been injured all across Nepal. Historic and world heritage sites of Hanuman Dhoka, Patan, Bhaktapur, Swayambhu and Dharahara have been devastated," she said in the message.

Death toll from the earthquake crosses 8000

The earthquake has caused a substantial loss of life and property in India as well, which, in a tragic way, underscores that events in one country deeply affect the other, she said.

"As close friends and neighbours sharing historic people-to-people ties with each other, India stands with Nepal in firm solidarity during this difficult time," she said.

The minister added that India's rescue and relief efforts were mobilised within a few hours of the earthquake.

"We continue to extend our fullest support towards the continuing relief efforts, and are committed to assisting Nepal in the recovery and rehabilitation phase, in accordance with the requirements and priorities of the Government of Nepal."

She also praised the courage and resilience of the Nepali people.

"I salute the spirit, courage, and resilience of the Nepalese people in the face of such adversity. I assure them the government and people of India stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them, and will fully support them in overcoming this adversity," she wrote.

The Nepal Red Cross Society on Thursday said the toll in the devastating quake has risen to 8,413.

IANS