Prime Minister Narendra Modi has suggested that SAARC Nations should come together to hold annual exercises of rescue teams and doctors to draw up a blueprint for how to minimise damage during natural disasters. He made the suggestion to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif during a conversation that the two leaders had on Thursday morning.
Mr. Modi tweeted that he received a phone call from Mr. Sharif, offering condolences for the loss of lives in India during the recent massive earthquake on April 25, 2015. “Got a call from PM Nawaz Sharif. He expressed condolences on the loss of lives in various parts of India due to the Earthquake. PM Nawaz Sharif appreciated India's efforts in the rescue operations in Nepal. I thank him for his kind words,” Mr. Modi tweeted about their conversation.
While discussing the ongoing relief work being carried out in Nepal, the epicentre of the quake, Mr. Modi suggested conducting regular, joint exercises on disaster management. “I suggested to PM Sharif that
SAARC nations should conduct regular joint exercises on disaster relief & rescue. SAARC Nations can come together & hold annual exercises of rescue teams, doctors etc on how we can minimise damage during natural disasters,” Mr. Modi tweeted.
Mr. Modi indicated that his suggestion was well received by Mr. Sharif, “PM Sharif appreciated this idea & told me that we should take up such an initiative,” he tweeted.
India’s efforts in relief and rescue operations in Nepal were appreciated by the Pakistan Prime Minister, who also discussed the unseasonal rains and its adverse impact on crops with his Indian counterpart.
