Nawaz, Modi discuss possible joint efforts for disaster relief

PM Nawaz calls Indian premier to express condolences over deaths in recent earthquake

NEW DELHI: As the death toll from the devastating earthquake in Nepal continues to rise, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif called on his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi to discuss how SAARC nations can work together in times of natural disasters.

"SAARC nations can hold annual exercises of rescue teams, doctors etc on how we can minimise damage during natural disasters," the Indian premier said in a series of tweets.

SAARC Nations can come together & hold annual exercises of rescue teams, doctors etc on how we can minimise damage during natural disasters.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 30, 2015

I suggested to PM Sharif that SAARC nations should conduct regular joint exercises on disaster relief & rescue.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 30, 2015

PM Sharif appreciated this idea & told me that we should take up such an initiative.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 30, 2015

According to Modi, PM Nawaz called to appreciate India's rescue efforts in the disaster stricken Nepal and also expressed condolences for the numerous lives lost in India due to the earthquake.

Got a call from PM Nawaz Sharif. He expressed condolences on the loss of lives in various parts of India due to the Earthquake.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 30, 2015

PM Nawaz Sharif appreciated India's efforts in the rescue operations in Nepal. I thank him for his kind words.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 30, 2015

According to latest reports, the death toll in Nepal has gone up to 5,489. Pakistan, India and China have helped the disaster-hit country by sending medical teams comprising doctors and paramedics along with relief goods. 

Read: Rain hampers Nepal rescue teams as death toll rises

With torrential rains wreaking havoc in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, the heads of the two neighbouring states also discussed the unseasonal downpour.

PM Sharif & I also discussed the unseasonal rains and its adverse impact on the crops.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 30, 2015

Read: Sudden calamity: Rain of death batters K-P

PM Nawaz's call to Modi comes just a day after his interview with the Saudi Gazette where he expressed that there was no sign from India to make amends and resume dialogue.

Read: Peace priority: India suspended talks on ‘frivolous pretext’, says PM

Premier Nawaz said Pakistan was ready for “constructive dialogue for negotiated settlement of all issues, including the issue of Jammu and Kashmir”.