Nepal has displayed steely determination to rebuild the country, says Swaraj

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who arrived in Kathmandu on Wednesday, hailed the 'steely determination' of the people of Nepal, saying that the citizens of the Himalayan nation are resolute in their efforts to rebuild their nation after the devastating earthquakes that struck the country on April 25 and May 12.

"As I arrive in Kathmandu on my third visit during the last one year, I convey our deepest condolences to the Government and people of Nepal on the death and destruction caused by the devastating earthquake on April 25, on behalf of the government and people of India," Swaraj said.

"Under the leadership of Prime Minster Narendra Modi, India took the lead in responding spontaneously, to provide relief and rescue support to the people and Government of Nepal. There was an outpouring of instantaneous empathy and support from all sections of Indian society. I am glad to see that in spite of the tragedy, the people of Nepal have displayed a steely determination to rebuild their country. India will continue to stand together with the people and Government of Nepal in the quickest recovery and reconstruction," she added.

Two massive quakes hit the Himalayan nation on April 25 and May 12, killing an estimated 8,787 people and rendering almost a million homeless.

The Nepali government has stated that the disaster has resulted in a USD seven billion loss to its economy.