Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared that India will provide “all possible assistance” to Turkey to deal with the devastating earthquake that hit the country early on February 6. The decision to help Turkey was taken in a meeting led by P.K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister which was attended by the Cabinet Secretary and representatives of relevant Ministries.
Also read: Turkey earthquake updates on Feb. 6, 2023
“Anguished by the loss of lives and damage of property due to the Earthquake in Turkey. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. India stands in solidarity with the people of Turkey and is ready to offer all possible assistance to cope with this tragedy,” said Mr. Modi in a message after the earthquake ravaged the southcentral region of Turkey.
The meeting decided to send search and rescue teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and medical professionals “immediately”.
Accordingly, two teams of the NDRF comprising 100 personnel with specially trained dog squads and medical personnel have been prepared to be deployed in the disaster-affected Turkish area. Apart from the special NDRF teams, medical teams consisting of doctors and paramedics with medical supplies are also “being readied”.
A press release from the Prime Minister’s Office said that “relief material will be dispatched in coordination with the government of Republic of Turkey and Indian Embassy in Ankara and Consulate General office in Istanbul”.
India’s ties with Turkey in the recent past has not been smooth as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government has often sided with Pakistan and criticised India over the Kashmir issue. But on Monday, India joined many countries across the world including Israel in expressing solidarity with the Turkish victims of this massive earthquake.
