India defends rejecting aid

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]