Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said human interest was paramount for India as he lauded the work of human assistance and disaster relief teams that were deployed in earthquake-hit Turkiye. During his interaction with the personnel involved in 'Operation Dost' in Turkiye and Syria, PM Modi said that in the last few years India has strengthened its identity not just as a self-sufficient but selfless country.
"No matter which country, if it is about humanity, then India keeps human interest paramount. The whole world saw how you reached there immediately. It shows your preparedness and your training skills. The way our NDRF personnel have worked for 10 days is worth praising," ANI quoted PM Modi as saying.
"I salute you all today. When someone helps others, he is selfless. This applies not only to individuals but also to nations. Over the years, India has strengthened its identity both as self-reliant and selfless," the PM further said.
Under 'Operation Dost', three teams of 151 NDRF personnel and dog squads were sent to earthquake-affected Turkey.
PM Modi said the "tiranga" or the tricolour had become a symbol of assurance when India sent its teams to Ukraine and Afghanistan during the crises in those countries.
"Wherever we reach with our tiranga, there is an assurance, since the Indian teams have arrived, the situation will get better. We saw it in Ukraine and Afghanistan also. Tiranga became a shield for people of many countries in Ukraine," he said.
The Prime Minister said India is always ready to be the first-responder whenever there is a crisis in the world.
"Our culture has taught us 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'. We consider the whole world as one family. When a member of the family is in trouble, it is India's duty to help it," PM Modi said.
"We have to increase our capacity for relief and rescue in times of disaster. We have to reinforce our identity as the best relief and rescue team in the world," he further said.
A magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Turkey's southeast and neighbouring Syria on February 6, killing more than 45,000 people and leaving more than a million people homeless.