Press Release

Saturday, May 17, 2008

As an expression of sympathy and support of the people of India for those affected by the devastating Wenchuan earthquake in Sichuan, China, the Government of India had on May 15 announced an assistance of US$ 5 million. The offer was conveyed by the External Affairs Minister of India Mr. Pranab Mukherjee to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of China Mr. Yang Jiechi during their meeting in Yekaterinberg on May 15. The Chinese Foreign Minister welcomed the offer.

The first Indian Air Force aircraft carrying tents, blankets and other relief material arrived at Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province which is close to the epicenter of the earthquake at 1745 hours today. The Ambassador of India Mrs. Nirupama Rao, Consul General of India, Guangzhou, Mr. Gautam Bambawale, along with officials of the Sichuan Government were present at the airport. While receiving the consignment Mr. Ran Jinjun, a senior official of the Civil Affairs Bureau of the Sichuan Provincial People's Government, said that they were deeply grateful to the friendly people of India and the Government of India for their timely assistance which had arrived so soon following the earthquake.  The consignment was immediately transferred to the affected areas.

The second Indian Air Force relief aircraft is expected to reach Chengdu on Monday May 19 and would carry additional relief supplies including medicines, tents and sleeping bags. Further relief flights will follow thereafter.

Embassy of India

Beijing

(Please see photographs below)

LIST OF RELIEF MATERIALS SENT IN THE FIRST CONSIGNMENT OF ASSISTANCE DESPATCHED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA FOR EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS IN SICHUAN, CHINA. BEING HANDED OVER TO SICHUAN PROVINCE OFFICIALS BY THE AMBASSADOR OF INDIA, MRS. NIRUPAMA RAO.

IAF AIRCRAFT LANDS IN CHENGDU, SICHUAN WITH RELIEF SUPPLIES.

INDIAN AND CHINESE OFFICIALS WITH THE CREW OF THE IAF AIRCRAFT IN CHENGDU, SICHUAN ON May 17, 2008.

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