India has announced an immediate relief assistance worth $500,000 to support the Pacific island nation’s recovery from a devastating earthquake that struck on December 17, 2024. The magnitude 7.4 earthquake caused widespread destruction and loss of life, prompting India to offer its condolences and support.
As a close partner under the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC), India has consistently stood by Vanuatu during times of natural disasters. The relief assistance is a testament to India’s commitment to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) in the region .
The funds will support relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts in Vanuatu. India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative (IPOI), launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019, prioritizes Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, demonstrating India’s proactive approach to disaster response .
This gesture of solidarity reaffirms India’s role as a responsible and steadfast responder in the region, and its commitment to supporting nations in need