Nepal Finance Minister seeks Indian aid for flood reconstruction

Nepal's Finance Minister, Dr. Swarnim Wale, is conducting a three-day official visit to New Delhi to secure assistance for reconstruction following devastating floods in the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river corridors. The floods, which occurred on August 26, have resulted in at least 1,399 deaths and left 5,179 people missing.

A rapid disaster needs assessment report indicates that the floods caused approximately 274.48 billion Nepali rupees in direct physical damage, with total economic losses estimated at 408.28 billion Nepali rupees. To repair damaged infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and hydroelectric projects, Nepal requires over 723 billion Nepali rupees.

During bilateral meetings with Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, discussions focused on relief supplies, rehabilitation priorities, and technical assistance. Beyond immediate disaster recovery, the ministers also addressed long-term economic cooperation, including trade, investment, energy, and cross-border connectivity.