A neighbor and a friend in need
By Nirupama Rao

Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee said: "A friend in need is a real friend. Please do not hesitate to approach us for any assistance that you may require."

The news of the deadly earthquake that hit Sichuan on the fateful afternoon of May 12, was received with shock and deep sorrow by more than 1 billion Indian people.

Our thoughts were constantly with the affected people of Sichuan, including the young, innocent, school children, and we were anxious to lend a helping hand.

In messages of condolences sent to the Chinese leadership in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, the Indian leadership conveyed the pain and the sorrow that the people of India shared with their Chinese brethren at this sad calamity.

We expressed our faith and confidence that the resilient and brave people of China will overcome this grievous loss. And, we emphasized our sincere readiness to help the Chinese people at this difficult time.

The Indian leadership and people also were moved by the exemplary response of the Chinese leadership, the various government ministries and agencies, and ordinary people to overcome this natural disaster.

Immediately after the earthquake in Sichuan, our two foreign ministers met in Ekaterinberg, Russia on May 15, 2008.

Foreign Minister Mukherjee reiterated our solidarity with China in this hour of difficulty to the Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi.

Mukherjee told Yang, "A friend in need is a real friend. Please do not hesitate to approach us for any assistance that you may require".

Yang expressed sincere appreciation for the sentiments of sorrow and concern expressed by the Indian government and people and for their readiness to provide assistance to China.

Simultaneously, the government of India decided to offer an assistance of $5 million to China for its relief activities for the victims of the earthquake.

Realizing the need to deliver timely help and supplies to the survivors, many of whom had lost their loved ones, and their homes and belongings, the first plane-load of relief supplies was ferried to Chengdu in an Indian Air Force flight from Guwahati in northeastern India, barely three hours away in terms of flying time, on the afternoon of May 17.

That first flight, and subsequent flights by the Indian Air Force on the 19, 21, 22, 23, 24 and 28, brought urgently needed items like tents, sleeping bags, blankets, ready to eat meals, and medicines, among other items. The supplies were handed over immediately on arrival at Chengdu to officials of the Sichuan Civil Affairs Bureau who are engaged in the relief efforts, and transported to the affected counties.

Today, given the growing partnership and cooperation between our two countries, there are a number of Indian companies that have a business presence in China. Many of these companies also rallied to make their contributions of help and assistance to the earthquake victims.

They include Ranbaxy, the pharmaceutical company, the National Institute of Information Technology (NIIT), Suzlon, the wind energy company, and Larsen & Toubro, the construction company. Companies like the Tata Group, Berger Asian Paints and Dr Reddy's are also making their contributions.

The Indian community in Beijing is to hold a fund-raising evening in June for the earthquake victims. Planning is already underway for this event. The Indian Embassy School (which has around 100 elementary school students in all) is donating RMB 14,000 for the children affected by the earthquake.

The Indian community in Hong Kong has made an initial donation of 700,000 HK dollars for earthquake relief in Sichuan.

India stands ready to work with the Chinese government and agencies concerned to identify future projects involving relief and rehabilitation of the victims of the earthquake, and to share the knowledge and experience we have gained in dealing with similar calamities in our own country.

Judging from our own experience in similar situations we realize the scope and extent of the work involved in rebuilding people's lives in the face of such natural calamities.

Our friendship with the Chinese people stretches back over thousands of years. It is our belief that we can further consolidate our ties of partnership as we work for the benefit of men, women and the children whose lives have been so tragically impacted by the May 12 earthquake.

The brave people of Sichuan have won our hearts with their courage and fortitude. We share their sorrow.

The author is Indian ambassador to China

(China Daily 05/30/2008 page9)

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