India stands firmly with the people of Türkiye: PM Modi

New Delhi: The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has said that India will keep trying to save the maximum number of lives under ‘Operation Dost’.

Responding to a tweet by MEA regarding the role that the Indian team is playing in Turkiye, the Prime Minister tweeted :

“Our teams are working day and night as a part of ‘Operation Dost.’ They will keep giving their best to ensure maximum lives and property are saved. In this critical time, India stands firmly with the people of Türkiye.”

Our teams are working day and night as a part of ‘Operation Dost.’ They will keep giving their best to ensure maximum lives and property are saved. In this critical time, India stands firmly with the people of Türkiye. https://t.co/FJT9ve4TYj

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 10, 2023

Earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday hailed the National Defence Response Force for rescuing a minor girl’s life in earthquake-hit Turkey, saying that the Indian government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed to making NDRF the world’s leading disaster response Force.

Taking to Twitter, Shah said, “Proud of our NDRF. In the rescue operations in Turkiye, Team IND-11 saved the life of a six-year-old girl, Beren, in Gaziantep city. Under the guidance of PM @narendramodi, we are committed to making @NDRFHQ the world’s leading disaster response force. #OperationDost.”

Under ‘Operation Dost’ India had sent six planes carrying rescue personnel, essentials and medical equipment for earthquake relief efforts to Turkey and Syria. Following the deadly earthquakes on February 6, the death toll in Turkey and adjoining Syria have surpassed 19,300 lives in both countries.

In a press release, NDRF said that their team in a joint operation with AFAD (Disaster and Emergency Management Authority) of Turkey on Thursday pulled out a 6-year-old girl alive from the rubble of a collapsed structure in Nurdagi town of Gaziantep province.

“NDRF rescuers have also retrieved 08 dead bodies from the debris till now. The rescue operation is continuing since 7th Feb by NDRF in the affected areas. The rescue operation and logistics involved are being monitored closely by the DG NDRF in Delhi,” NDRF said in a release.