India on Tuesday gifted 40 ambulances and eight buses to various hospitals, non-profit charitable organisations and educational institutions of different districts of Nepal to strengthen education and health services in Nepal.

The vehicles were donated to mark the 67th Republic Day of India. 

Thirty-three ambulances and six buses were distributed amid a function organised to mark India’s Republic Day at the Embassy of India in Kathmandu whereas seven other ambulances and two buses were gifted by the Consulate General of India, Birgunj, to different organisations in Birgunj.

Since 1994, the government of India has gifted 542 ambulances to various organisations across 73 districts of Nepal. “This has helped in bringing healthcare services to the doorsteps of thousands of people who do not have access to healthcare services,” said the embassy in a statement. 

Earlier on Tuesday, Indian Ambassador to Nepal Ranjit Rae hoisted the Indian national flag and read out the message of the President of India at a programme at the embassy. In his message, Indian President Pranab Mukherjee stressed, among other things, India’s support for peace, stability and development in its neighbourhood.