Enhancing Regional Solidarity through HADR: A Case Study of Indo-Nepal Disaster Response
摘要
Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) are two important components of disaster diplomacy. According to Ilan Kelman, disaster diplomacy can create peace and conflict within nations and states. In the present multi-polar world, the HADR policy is very appropriate for facilitating communication, strengthening community ties, and promoting peace. Northern parts of India and Nepal have the same geo-climatic conditions and face similar challenges in terms of disasters. Both countries are vulnerable to floods, earthquakes, landslides, and so on. In times of disaster, soft diplomatic policies are beneficial as they enhance the harmony between two nations by helping each other. In the context of India and Nepal, it becomes more important as both countries not only share a long border but also a common cultural heritage. The present study is an attempt to evaluate the distinctive yet intertwined dimensions of disaster diplomacy and also help to understand the contribution of India to the improvement of regional solidarity through humanitarian assistance. In particular, this study examines the focal point of India’s disaster response policy in the context of HADR at the time of the earthquake and flood incidences in Nepal.