Kerala Floods: India rejects aid from foreign governments – the story so far

A number of countries including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar and Maldives have announced assistance for flood relief operations in Kerala. The sources said that while declining to accept the assistance, India is conveying its sincere appreciation to the foreign nations for their offers to help flood affected people in Kerala. While the UAE has offered USD 100 million (around Rs 700 crore) as financial assistance to Kerala, Qatar has pledged around Rs 35 crore and Maldives has announced a donation of USD 50,000 (Rs 35 lakh).

Source: PMO Handle

According to government sources: “We are following the policy since 2004 and have been turning down assistance from foreign governments since then. In Kerala also, we are sticking to that policy.”

They are following a policy which Dr Singh’s government took a call during the 2004 tsunami not to accept foreign aid. India had earlier accepted aid from foreign governments during the 1991 Uttarkashi earthquake, 2001 Gujarat earthquake and 2002 Bengal cyclone.

Source: PTI

In December 2004, Dr Singh had taken a call stating that India could cope with the situation. In the 2004 tsunami, the states of Tamil Nadu and Andaman and Nicobar Islands were affected, killing more than 12,000 people and 6 lakhs were displaced.

Source: PTI

The Kerala government is understood to be unhappy over the Centre's decision not to accept donations from foreign governments for flood relief operations in the state.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan today said the state government would approach Prime Minister Narendra Modi to clear hurdles, if any, in receiving the flood relief aid offered to the state by the United Arab Emirates.

Source: CMO Kerala

Vijayan said: "2016 National Disaster Management Policy says, 'if govt of another country voluntarily offers assistance as a goodwill gesture in solidarity with the disaster victims,the central govt may accept the offer'. Right now only talk is happening, let us see what happens."

Source:CPI(M) Twitter Handle

Even PM Modi had followed official procedure by thanking UAE PM Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum:” A big thanks to @hhshkmohd for his gracious offer to support people of Kerala during this difficult time. His concern reflects the special ties between governments and people of India and UAE.”

A big thanks to @hhshkmohd for his gracious offer to support people of Kerala during this difficult time. His concern reflects the special ties between governments and people of India and UAE.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 18, 2018

However, the policy is to thank foreign diplomats for the gesture and then to deny aid.

Source: PM's Twitter Handle

Kerala’s Finance Minister also tweeted: “National Disaster Management Plan Chapter 9 on international cooperation    accepts that in time severe calamity voluntary aid given by a foreign gov can be accepted. Still if Union Gov chooses to adopt a negative stance towards offer made by UAE gov they should compensate Kerala.”

Source: CPI(M) Twitter Handle 

Chandy expressed his concerns over reports that the Centre may not accept the contribution made by the crown prince, saying, "Now reports being spread that Government of India denied permission to accept this great monetary help. This decision is quite disappointing to the people of Kerala. Rules should be as such (that they) eradicate the sufferings of the people. If there exist any obstacles against the acceptance of foreign financial aid, kindly look into the matter seriously and bring suitable modifications."

Source: DNA Archives