SAARC nations should unite against disaster, says PM Modi

New Delhi, April 30: In the wake of major earthquake that jolted Nepal and other SAARC nations, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has suggested to conduct regular joint exercises on disaster, relief, and rescue.

"SAARC Nations can come together and hold annual exercises of rescue teams, doctors etc on how we can minimise damage during natural disasters," tweets PM Modi after Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif called up him and expressed his condolences on loss of lives in India due to earthquake.

"PM Nawaz Sharif appreciated India's efforts in the rescue operations in Nepal. I thank him for his kind words" PM Modi said.

His phone call came a day after when PM Sharif held India responsible for derailing the dialogue process. He also held India responsible for lack of progress in efforts to improve bilateral relations, saying Pakistan wants a constructive dialogue to settle issues such as Kashmir.

Nepal was hit by a massive earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale on April 25, killing over 5,000 people. The toll due to the earthquake in India has gone up to 78, while the number of injured people stands at 560, the government.