Kerala floods: India not accepting foreign aid, Thai envoy confirms in tweet

Thailand's Ambassador to India, Chutintorn Sam Gongsakdi, on Tuesday tweeted out confirming that the Indian government is not accepting foreign aid for Kerala floods. 

"Informally informed with regret that the government of India is not accepting overseas donations for Kerala flood relief. Our hearts are with you the people of Bharat," Gongsakdi tweeted. 

The ambassador, on Saturday, tweeted out Thai embassy's letter over assistance for flood-ravaged Kerala. 

The letter, signed by the envoy himself, stated that the Indo-Thai ties are progressing well in all areas.

"I am writing today on the matter of the severe flooding and resulting human and economic catastrophe that has struck the state of Kerala," Gongsakdi noted in the letter. 

He stated that the "Royal Thai Embassy is consulting its headquarters about the possible relief that the Royal Thai Government may provide as a gesture of support and friendship to our Indian friends in need".

The government of Maldives on Tuesday offered a financial aid worth $50,000 (Rs 35 lakh) to Kerala. 

The UAE has already offered financial assistance of Rs 700 crore to Kerala. However, it is now being reported that the central government has taken a considered decision to rely solely on domestic efforts.

However, the central government is reported to have taken a considered decision to rely solely on domestic efforts to rehabilitate and recover Kerala which is estimated to have suffered a loss worth over Rs 21,000 crore. 

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday reacted on the same stating, "2016 National Disaster Management Policy says, 'if govt of another country voluntarily offers assistance as a goodwill gesture in solidarity with the disaster victims, the central govt may accept the offer'. Right now, only talks are happening".