India to pledge Rs 14 crore for conflict-hit Syria

Deeply concerned about the hardships and sufferings of the people of Syria as a result of unabated violence there, India will be pledging nearly Rs 14 crore towards humanitarian assistance in a United Nations conference, which will be held in Kuwait on Wednesday.

This assistance will be in the form of life saving drugs, food and other essential items required by the people of Syria, the ministry of external affairs said.

Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed will be participating in the High-level International Humanitarian Pledging Conference for Syria, an important initiative of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs to express support to the humanitarian needs of the Syrian people. It is being hosted by the Emir of Kuwait.

"India has been closely following the developments in Syria and is deeply concerned about the hardships and sufferings of the people of Syria as a result of the unabated violence in Syria," the MEA said, adding that it has already responded positively to the humanitarian needs of the people of Syria and had decided to provide humanitarian assistance to Syria in the form of life saving drugs and digestive biscuits.

"In keeping with India's commitment to extend support to the Syrian people, India will be pledging an amount of around Rs 14 crores towards humanitarian assistance to the people of Syria in the conference," the ministry added.