INDIA today said it had turned down offers of tsunami aid because it
has the resources to deal with the domestic devastation and wanted
foreign relief to be directed to countries in greater need. Indian
foreign ministry secretary Shyam Saran said the international media had
twisted New Delhi's stand and underestimated its ability to deal with
the natural disaster. "We do not have a dogmatic position on foreign
aid. At any point we may take it if we need it," said Mr Saran. "It was
felt that there were more unfortunate countries like Sri Lanka,
Indonesia and the Maldives and assistance should be directed to those
who need it intensely." Foreign relief groups such as Medecins Sans
Frontieres and Oxfam have, however, blasted the Indian government in
the foreign media for stopping them from pitching in with aid. "There
has been an impression created by some international media that India
is not accepting foreign aid because it is out to prove something and
it is unable to contain the disaster on its own," said Mr Saran. [more]
Article originally appeared on (http://brownwatch.com/).
See website for complete article licensing information.