KATHMANDU: India will continue to stand beside Nepal to help in the quick recovery and reconstruction of the quake-ravaged Himalayan country after the major earthquake two months ago, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Wednesday after her arrival in Kathmandu.
Sushma Swaraj, who is here to participate in a conference on Nepal's reconstruction on June 25, said she also looks forward to "fruitful exchange of views" with the leadership of Nepal.
Sushma Swaraj, who is in Nepal on her third visit in the last one year, also conveyed deepest condolences to the people and government of Nepal on the death and widespread destruction in the April 25 earthquake.
She said India, under the leadership of Prime Minster Narendra Modi, has taken "the lead in responding spontaneously, to provide relief and rescue support to the people and the government of Nepal" in the aftermath of the quake.
"There was an outpouring of instantaneous empathy and support from all sections of Indian society. I am glad to see that in spite of the tragedy, the people of Nepal have displayed a steely determination to rebuild their country. India will continue to stand together with the people and Government of Nepal in the quickest recovery and reconstruction," she said.
Over 8,000 people were killed in the massive quake that struck Nepal on April 25.