Pak flood and India’s response

• Pakistan is currently plagued by the worst floods ever.
• In response, the Indian PM has expressed his condolences and hoped “for an early restoration of normalcy”.

Deterioration of ties

• The then PM of Pak visited India, along with the leaders of other SAARC nations for the swearing-in ceremony of PM.
• This held the promise of a new beginning of the relationship that suffered a severe setback after the 26/11 terrorist attacks in Mumbai (2008).
• Ties again deteriorated after the Pulwama terror attack in 2019.
• This situation intensified the abrogation of Article 370, which revoked the special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
• It led to the downsizing of the High Commissions in both capitals.
• The constitutional changes in J&K, and Pakistan’s response to them, took bilateral ties to a new low.

New PM of Pakistan

• Pak PM asked India to come forward to address the Kashmir issue so that the two countries could concentrate on tackling poverty and unemployment.
• Indian PM also congratulated the new leader of Pakistan and said that India desired peace and stability in a region free of terrorism.

Response to disasters

• 2001 - Pak sent tents and blankets for the survivors after the Bhuj earthquake in Gujarat,.
• 2005 - India sent aircraft with relief supplies to Pakistan when a powerful earthquake struck both India and Pakistan.
• It also pledged $ 25 million through the UN to support Pakistan’s relief efforts.
• 2010 - India offered $ 5 million in help when a “superflood” hit Pakistan , but Islamabad declined to accept it.
• Pakistan has also indicated taking help from India for importing vegetables and other edible items.
• The help can be at the micro and short-term level: food, fuel, tents, medicines, and emergency essential supplies.

Impact of the aid on Pak

• It could involve help in the reconstruction of damaged homes and properties.
• Could also help preserve the archaeological site of Mohenjo Daro.
• India’s expertise in healthcare can be of help in the post-floods scenario.

India’s aid to other nations

• India has achieved great success in vaccine diplomacy and its efforts to brand India as the “pharmacy to the world” have proved to be fruitful.
• India has extended its hand of help and cooperation to the Maldives, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Nepal, Bhutan, and Afghanistan.
• Indians have sent grain filled trucks to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan via Pakistan.