The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that 21 Indian nationals from Tamil Nadu, rescued from flood‑hit regions of Nepal, have safely landed in New Delhi after arriving in Kathmandu.
External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar personally met the returning pilgrims, listened to their experiences, and thanked the Nepal Army and Government of Nepal for their rescue efforts.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “In addition to these 21 Indian nationals, yesterday we gave you an update about 63 Indian nationals working at the Trishuli‑I hydropower project. They were also rescued yesterday.”
He further informed that 96 individuals stranded on the Chinese side have crossed into Nepal by land and are awaiting evacuation. However, 320 Indian nationals remain uncontactable or missing, alongside nearly 100 persons of Indian origin holding other nationalities, many of whom were travelling for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
Sharing updates on X, Jaishankar wrote: “Received a group of 21 pilgrims from Tamil Nadu who were rescued from the floods in Nepal. Was moved to hear their experience first hand. Thank the @NepalArmyHQ and Government for this rescue effort. Appreciate @IndiaInNepal’s facilitation of their smooth return to India.”
EAM @DrSJaishankar received a group of 21 pilgrims belonging to Tamil Nadu, rescued from the floods in Nepal. https://t.co/8DvklcRcEi
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) August 28, 2026
Speaking to reporters, Jaishankar emphasised that rescue operations are being led by Nepalese authorities and forces, while India is extending all possible support.
Received a group of 21 pilgrims from Tamil Nadu who were rescued from the floods in Nepal.
Was moved to hear their experience first hand. Thank the @NepaliArmyHQ and Government for this rescue effort. Appreciate @IndiaInNepal’s facilitation of their smooth return to India. pic.twitter.com/P0cNsY5exF
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 28, 2026
Emergency helplines have been activated by the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu (+977 9851316807, +977 9709107500), the Nepal Tourism Board (1234, 1144, Tourist Police: 9851289445), and the Indian Embassy in Beijing (WhatsApp helpline: 0086 18514284905).
