New Delhi, August 29, 2026 – India has intensified its humanitarian assistance against the ongoing flood and disaster situation in Nepal. The Indian Air Force (IAF) sent the third and fourth relief flights to Kathmandu carrying rescue experts, forensic experts, medical supplies and essential relief material.
The fourth flight, operated by IAF C-130 aircraft, is carrying about 11 tonnes of humanitarian aid along with specialized teams and equipment for search and rescue operations. The aircraft includes a tunnel technical team equipped to support rescue operations in difficult terrain, as well as equipment for DNA analysis and a team of forensic experts.
This latest consignment also includes relief items like blankets, sleeping bags, palm leaves, plastic sheets and hygiene kits to support the communities affected by the disaster.
Continuing the relief effort in Nepal.
Another Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft took off carrying 37.5 tonnes of relief supplies including medicines and food items. #Nepal #HADR #HADRops #IndiaNepal #NeighborhoodFirst@DefenceMinIndia @SpokespersonMoD@HQ_IDS_India@adgpi… pic.twitter.com/Pw9DKK6qV8
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) August 27, 2026
The third IAF flight left for Kathmandu carrying about 10 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including portable generator sets, dignity kits, food packets and water purification tablets. An 11-member team including doctors, paramedics and Reconnaissance Team for Tunnel Rescue Operation was also deployed in this mission.
As part of the ongoing relief efforts, India has also expanded its infrastructure support to Nepal. 16 trucks carrying equipment for the 230-foot single-lane modular steel bridge have reached Nepal. Necessary equipment will also be provided for the installation of additional seven bailey bridges, technical teams are expected to arrive soon to support their installation.
As per the latest update, India has so far airlifted a total of 68.5 tonnes of relief material to Kathmandu. This assistance includes essential medicines, portable generator sets, food packets, water purification tablets and special technical equipment.
This latest deployment builds on India's previous airlift operations following the massive flash floods that struck Nepal on August 26, which resulted in deaths, disappearances and damage to homes, roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure.
The first IAF aircraft, a C-130J, took off on August 26 carrying about 10 tonnes of relief material, including temporary shelters, shelters, hygiene kits and medicines. The C-17 aircraft then sent 37.5 tonnes of aid, which included 28.5 tonnes of relief material, eight tonnes of medicines and one tonne of food packets.
Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar said that India's humanitarian aid and medical supplies have reached Kathmandu and additional aid is being collected. He added that India is in constant touch with Nepali authorities and will continue to support the country's relief and rescue efforts.
India's response has extended beyond immediate humanitarian assistance to supporting search-and-rescue operations and restoration of critical infrastructure in Nepal, with the deployment of specialized rescue personnel, forensic teams, medical support, relief material and bridge-building equipment.
The fourth aircraft sortie of C130J Hercules had left for Kathmandu. She is carrying a 13-member Indian Army Tunnel Rescue Team with specialized equipment to assist the ongoing search and rescue efforts of Nepalese disaster response teams based on assessment by the ground level investigation team. Apart from this, a contingent of 19 members from 6 forensic teams is also being sent to help in the analysis of DNA samples for identification of the mortal remains. This aircraft is also likely to carry relief material.