*NEW DELHI – India will not accept relief assistance from foreigngovernments for the flood-ravaged state of Kerala, the government has said,following offers of aid from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.*
The decision to decline foreign help drew criticism from the oppositionwhich called for an end the suffering of the people of the southern statehit by the worst flooding in a century, which has killed hundreds of people.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has announced assistance of 6billion rupees ($85 million), compared with a request from the state for atleast 20 billion rupees.
Modi has promised more aid and his government said late on Wednesday thatwould come through “domestic efforts”.
“The government of India deeply appreciates offers from several countries,including from foreign governments, to assist in relief and rehabilitationefforts after the tragic floods in Kerala,” the Ministry of ExternalAffairs said in a statement.