Rescue operation underway from an Indian Air force helicopter during the floods in Kerala

While India was extremely grateful for the offers, its own resources would be used to rebuild Kerala. This does not, however, extend to private contributions pouring in from all over the world. During the Uttarakhand floods in 2013, the UPA government too politely refused foreign aid

NEW DELHI: India will not accept the generous help that has been offered by foreign governments after the floods in Kerala. The UAE, Qatar and Maldives have all pledged assistance to India for relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction in the state.

But high-level sources said that while India was extremely grateful for the offers, its own resources would be used to rebuild Kerala. India will say "thank you" but "no thank you" as internal resources are mobilized. This does not, however, extend to private contributions pouring in from all over the world, given the huge diaspora from Kerala.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE's PM, offered almost Rs 700 crore to Kerala. It was seen as an acknowledgment of the connection between Dubai and Kerala as well as the close ties between UAE and India. In a tweet, PM Modi thanked the ruler of Dubai. Kerala CM Vijayan also offered fulsome gratitude.