India Expresses Gratitude To China For Support Following Wayanad Landslides

India's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, expressed gratitude to China on Friday for their message of solidarity following the devastating landslides in Wayanad, Kerala.

In a statement released on X (formerly Twitter) on July 31, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs extended their condolences, stating, "China expresses deep condolences over the lives lost in the massive landslides in the Indian state of Kerala. Our heartfelt sympathies are with the bereaved families and the injured, and we wish those affected a speedy recovery."

Jaiswal's thanks to China came shortly after External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar described the state of India-China relations as "not doing very well" earlier in the week. This gesture of support from China contrasts with recent diplomatic tensions between the two nations.

India and China relations

India and China have recently wrapped up diplomatic talks on border affairs, which were described as "in-depth, constructive, and forward-looking" by officials. Both countries have pledged to enhance communication on military and diplomatic fronts to maintain peace along their shared borders.

Wayanad Landslide

The tragic landslides in Wayanad have claimed 308 lives so far, with messages of support and solidarity pouring in from around the world. US President Joe Biden also extended his condolences, praising the efforts of those involved in rescue and relief operations.

The landslides, triggered by heavy rainfall of up to 572 mm within 24 hours on Tuesday, resulted in the destruction of homes, roads, and public infrastructure in Wayanad. Rescue missions by the army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been hampered by continuous rain, swollen rivers, and damaged roads and bridges.

Over the past seven years, approximately 900 people have lost their lives in Kerala due to extreme rainfall and landslides, according to state government data. Factors such as environmental neglect, the warming of the Arabian Sea, and loss of forest cover have increased the region's susceptibility to such natural disasters.