In response to the 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck Vanuatu on December 17, 2024, India has pledged $500,000 in relief assistance to support the affected nation. The earthquake, which was centered near Vanuatu’s coast in the South Pacific Ocean, resulted in significant destruction and loss of life.
The Indian government expressed its condolences and offered support to the Vanuatu government and its people for relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts. In a press release, the Ministry of External Affairs stated, “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, the Government of India extends a relief assistance of USD 500,000 to support relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts.”
India has a longstanding history of providing assistance to Vanuatu during natural disasters, and this latest aid aligns with India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), which emphasizes disaster risk reduction and management. This initiative was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November 2019, highlighting India’s commitment to supporting its partners in the region during times of crisis.
