India will not accept relief assistance from foreign governments for the flood-ravaged state of Kerala, the government says, following offers from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
Hundreds of people have been killed in the southern state after it was hit by the worst flooding in a century.
The decision to decline foreign help has drawn criticism from the opposition.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has announced assistance of 6 billion rupees ($AUS116m), compared with a request from the state for at least 20 billion rupees.
Mr Modi has promised more aid and his government said that would come through "domestic efforts".
"The government of India deeply appreciates offers from several countries, including from foreign governments, to assist in relief and rehabilitation efforts after the tragic floods in Kerala," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.
Ariel view of the flooded Kochi, Kerala state, India. Source: AAP
"In line with the existing policy, the government is committed to meeting the requirements for relief and rehabilitation through domestic efforts."
This week, the United Arab Emirates offered assistance of $US100m ($AUS136m) while Qatar offered $USm ($AUS6.8 million). Many people from Kerala live and work in the Gulf.
Torrential rain that began in Kerala on August 8 killed 231 people, destroyed tens of thousands of homes, and washed away roads and bridges, leading to an estimated loss of at least 200 billion rupees ($AUS3.88bn).
The rain eased over the weekend as the focus of efforts turned to relief and rehabilitation from rescue.
The main opposition Congress party accused Mr Modi of exacerbating the crisis by failing to come through with more aid and creating obstacles to foreign help.
"This decision is quite disappointing to the people of Kerala," Congress leader and former Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy wrote in a public letter to the prime minister.
"Rules should be such [that they] eradicate the sufferings of the people. If there exist any obstacle against the acceptance of foreign aid, kindly look into the matter seriously and bring suitable modifications.
The foreign ministry said the government would welcome contributions to the Prime Minister's Relief Fund and the Chief Minister's Relief Fund from foundations, Indians living abroad and from people of Indian origin.
A volunteer throws a pack of bread towards a family stranded in a flooded area in Chengannur in the southern state of Kerala, India. Source: AAP
Kerala's Finance Minister Thomas Isaac said on Twitter the central government should compensate the state for refusing foreign aid.
