NEW DELHI: After a 7.4 magnitude earthquake devastated Vanuatu on December 17, 2024, India pledged $500,000 in relief assistance. The earthquake, centered near Vanuatu’s coast in the South Pacific Ocean, caused significant destruction and loss of life.
India expressed condolences and offered support to Vanuatu’s government and people for relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts.
“As a close friend and partner under the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) and as a gesture of solidarity with the friendly people of Vanuatu, Government of India extends a relief assistance of USD 500,000 to support relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts,” ministry of external affairs said in a press release.
India has a history of supporting Vanuatu during natural disasters. This aid aligns with India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative (IPOI) which includes disaster risk reduction and management as a key element, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November 2019.
