Expressing New Delhi's resolve to stand by Kathmandu in its hour of grief, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said India would try its best to "wipe the tears" of the people of Nepal.
Assuring full support to Nepal, Modi said India would do all it can to help them tide over the crisis following the devastating earthquake.
"India is with you (Nepal) in this hour of grief. For 125 crore Indians, Nepal is their own. India will do its best to wipe the tears of every Nepali, hold their hands and stand with them," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an address on radio 'Mann ki Baat'.
Sharing his pain over a series of natural calamities hitting the region in the recent past including earthquake on Saturday, which devastated Kathmandu and several nearby areas, Modi said he was anguished.
"last month, hailstorms and unseasonal rains had devastated the farmers. A few days ago, a storm hit Bihar killing many people and causing massive damage. And now, this devastating earthquake has shaken the whole world," said the PM.
"It seems a series of natural disasters has begun. The quake has also killed many people in northern States of India. While property has been damaged, the scale of destruction and in Nepal is massive," he said, adding, “He could feel the pain of the people of Nepal as he was a witness to the January 2001 earthquake, which hit the Kutchh of Gujarat.”
Modi said the relief and rehabilitation work after the rescue operations will go on for a long time and India would continue supporting the effort.
"Alive people who are trapped under the debris have to be rescued. Expert teams with sniffer dogs, trained to identify those alive from under the rubble have been sent. Our focus will be to rescue as many people alive as possible," Modi said.
The PM also spoke of war-torn Yemen and highlighted how the Indians along with the nationals of 48 other countries were evacuated safely from there.
"They were evacuated in the midst of firing and bombings. It was a difficult task but we did it," he said, as he hailed the role of External Affairs Ministry, IAF and Navy for carrying out the operation efficiently in a coordinated manner.
Citing the example of World War-I when 15 lakh Indian soldiers fought, where 74, 000 laid down their lives, he said, "This country (India) can do anything for world peace, well-being and development, even sacrifice lives. Even in the United Nations, the role of Indians in peacekeeping is foremost," he said.
He lauded the achievements of "two daughters of India" — Saina Nehwal who achieved the world number one title in badminton and Sania Mirza, the world best in doubles tennis.
Modi also expressed indignation at "some people losing their balance" at the loss of India in the cricket World Cup semi-finals. "There is no sport in which there is no loss. If our players lose, we should keep their morale high in that hour of crisis."
Modi said his government would continue to move ahead for the welfare of everybody, whether they be Dalits, down- trodden, the deprived, tribals, villagers, farmers, poor or small traders. He also wished well to students appearing for the Board exams.
Modi also sought cooperation from society to end the evil practice of manual scavenging. He called for a resolve to get rid of this "blot" during the 125th birth anniversary of Babasaheb Ambedkar, which is being celebrated this year.