India on Thursday pledged $ 1 billion (Rs 6,363 crore) in assistance to quake-ravaged Nepal for its massive reconstruction programme, asserting that it will strongly stand behind the Nepalese government which is seeking to “wipe the tears” of every Nepali. The announcement was made by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj during an international donors meet in Kathmandu.

India’s total assistance to Nepal over the next five years now stands at $2 billion. Swaraj hoped that a “stronger, united and more confident Nepal will rise” from the debris of destruction. “Nepal is not alone. Today I convey to you the deep and abiding commitment of the government of India and 1.25 billion people of India to stand shoulder to shoulder with you,” Swaraj said.

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On Wednesday, Swaraj called on Nepal Prime Minister Sushil Koirala and conveyed to him that India will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the quake-battered country in its massive reconstruction efforts and ensure “quickest” recovery.

Over 8,800 people were killed, more than 22,000 injured and over 500,000 houses destroyed and 279,000 others damaged in the April 25 and May 12 quakes that struck the country. “We need to recover, and rebuild better and stronger. We need partnerships to restore permanency in their (quake survivors) lives,” he said in his inaugural address at the international donors’ meet.

Swaraj conveyed India’s “deep and abiding commitment” to rebuilding of Nepal and highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi ensured a prompt rescue and relief operation within six hours of the 7.9-magnitude April 25 quake.

“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 said.

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We reacted as if a disaster had struck India. There has been an overwhelming outpouring of sympathy, support and solidarity with Nepal and people in India “opened their hearts” to come to the country’s assistance, she said.

“Operation Maitri was our largest ever disaster assistance effort abroad valued at nearly Rs.400 billion.” Swaraj hailed Nepal’s efforts in making a major bid to rebuild the nation and said raising $6.7 billion was a challenging task.