In the initial days after the quake, the Indian Ambassador to the United States, Naresh Chandra, stated on U.S. television, "The armed forces have done a great job...They are all working around the clock."

The U.S. Assistant Army Attaché in New Delhi, Maj. Jeffery H. Wright, said that Indian Armed Forces efforts were "all the more impressive when you stop to consider that many in the Indian military lost members in the earthquake or had to deal with the immediate crisis of food, shelter and water for their own families." He continued, "Despite this, the Indian military soldiered on under extreme circumstances, and were solely focused on helping their fellow citizens with little regard for their own welfare."

World Responds

As soon as the news of the earthquake became public, nations around the world pledged to help in various ways. Some countries sent locator dogs, relief supplies and other personnel and materials. Seventy countries and 17 international organizations donated millions of dollars in cash to assist the victims. Included in the list of donors were Australia, China, Japan and Russia, which donated cash and/or supplies, and Taiwan, which provided a 64-person rescue team. Some countries provided assistance through their armed forces.

Singapore sent a 19-person relief team to India, led by Maj. P. Ramachandra. The team arrived in Bhuj on a Republic of Singapore Air Force C-130. They delivered ground sheets, blankets and tents to the hardest hit area. Maj. Ramachandra remarked that Singapore has always been keen to help other countries in times of need.