India has evacuated 158 of its citizens from Nepal following the devastating floods that struck the Himalayan nation last week. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the figure late on Monday evening, noting that rescue and relief operations remain ongoing.

Specialised Indian teams have been deployed to support the mission. Forensics experts continued their work in Kathmandu in close coordination with Nepal Police’s Forensic Science Laboratory. They focused on optimising protocols and documentation to strengthen identification processes.

Ambassador Naveen Srivastava personally briefed the incoming specialists on Sunday. After the briefing, the experts held consultations with counterparts at the Central Forensic Science Laboratory in Kathmandu and with professionals from the Forensics Department of Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital.

Indian tunnel rescue teams also sustained their operations at Chilime and Langtang hydropower sites in partnership with the Nepali Army. Despite severe weather and difficult terrain at Chilime, the team managed to establish a foothold at the tunnel and set up safety ropes inside.

At Langtang, Indian and Nepali forces probed to a depth of 185 metres, marking significant progress in subterranean search operations. Ambassador Srivastava confirmed on X that these efforts will continue into Tuesday.

Indian subterranean extraction personnel had already been deployed on Sunday to conduct rigorous searches across hydropower infrastructure in Chilime and the wider Langtang sector. Their work remains critical in locating missing persons trapped within underground facilities.

Humanitarian assistance has also scaled up. A fourth Indian Air Force flight carrying 11 tons of relief supplies landed in Kathmandu on Sunday. The cargo was formally handed over to Nepali authorities as part of India’s continuing support.

This latest consignment included advanced search-and-rescue apparatus, molecular forensics experts for DNA profiling, and essential humanitarian items such as blankets, sleeping bags, heavy-duty tarpaulins, plastic sheeting, and hygiene kits.

India’s relief mission demonstrates a multi-pronged approach, combining technical expertise, humanitarian aid, and close coordination with Nepali counterparts. The deployment of forensics specialists and tunnel rescue teams underscores the complexity of the disaster response, while the humanitarian sorties highlight India’s commitment to supporting Nepal through both immediate relief and longer-term recovery.

The scale of operations reflects the seriousness of the floods, which have disrupted infrastructure and endangered lives across multiple districts. India’s assistance continues to play a pivotal role in stabilising conditions and reinforcing Nepal’s own emergency response capacity.

ANI