New Delhi

India on Tuesday dispatched the first batch of humanitarian aid along with a rescue team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to Turkey where a massive 7.8-magnitude quake has killed over 4,300 people and injured thousands others.

The rescue team that took off from Hindon Air Base in Ghaziabad on Tuesday morning has reached Ankara in Turkey. 

Earlier, taking to Twitter, External Affairs Ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi said: "India's Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) capabilites in action.

India's Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) capabilites in action.

The 1st batch of earthquake relief material leaves for Türkiye, along with NDRF Search & Rescue Teams, specially trained dog squads, medical supplies, drilling machines & other necessary equipment. pic.twitter.com/pB3ewcH1Gr

— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) February 6, 2023

The 51-member NDRF team headed by Deputy Commandant Deepak Talwar reached Turkey on board a C17 aircraft, a dog squad and other essential relief and rescue material.

Last night, an IAF C-17 got airborne for Türkiye. Bearing Search & Rescue teams of the @NDRFHQ, this aircraft is part of a larger relief effort that will be undertaken by the IAF along with other Indian organisations. #Türkiye#IAF_FirstResponders@IndianEmbassyTR pic.twitter.com/J8OsDd9ojn

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) February 7, 2023

Tuesday's development comes a day after the Centre had announced that two NDRF teams comprising 100 personnel with specially trained dog squads and necessary equipment were ready to be flown to Turkey for search and rescue operations.

In the meantime, the Turkish ambassador to India Firat Sunel referred to India as a 'Dost' after the despatch of the relief meterial. 

"Dost" is a common word in Turkish and Hindi... We have a Turkish proverb: "Dost kara günde belli olur" (a friend in need is a friend indeed).
Thank you very much 🇮🇳@narendramodi @PMOIndia @DrSJaishankar @MEAIndia @MOS_MEA #earthquaketurkey https://t.co/hD2uFgtTUQ

— Fırat Sunel फिरात सुनेल فرات صونال (@firatsunel) February 6, 2023

According to the government, medical teams were also being readied with trained doctors and paramedics with essential medicines.

India will send two more C-17 IAF planes for rescue and relief material. 89 paramedic staff are also part of the rescue team that has gone to Turkey. 

ALSO READ: Turkey earthquake: Death toll surpasses 4000

All relief material is being dispatched in coordination with the Turkish government and Indian Embassy in Ankara and Consulate General office in Istanbul.