MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the government is working with Nepalese authorities to establish contact with the missing Indians and locate those stranded in affected areas.

73 Trishuli Power Project workers uncontactable

Jaiswal said 73 Indian nationals working at the Trishuli 1 power project are among those currently uncontactable.

The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu was in touch with the project head to obtain more information about the workers and later released their names.

Communication with the area has been particularly difficult, the MEA said, because communication lines have been disrupted following the disaster.

"Communication lines in that area are totally disrupted, and therefore it has been difficult to get in touch with people on the ground," Jaiswal said.

Groups of Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims uncontactable

Two sizeable groups from Tamil Nadu, comprising 37 and 49 Indian nationals, are also among those who remain uncontactable.

The two groups had travelled for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through separate travel agents -- Samrat Travels and Fly Everest Travels.

Another group of 32 Indians from West Bengal, who travelled with the help of Samrat Travels, is reported to have been in Timure in Rasuwa district, the area where the disaster occurred.

The MEA said 61 Indian nationals from different states who travelled through Richa Tours are also currently uncontactable.

In addition, 33 Indian nationals from Kerala are among those whose whereabouts have not yet been confirmed.

These groups together account for the bulk of the 288 Indian nationals currently listed as uncontactable by the Indian government.

The MEA has stressed that being listed as "uncontactable" does not necessarily mean that the individuals are missing or injured. The term is being used because authorities have not been able to establish communication with them.

21 Indians rescued

Amid the ongoing search and relief efforts, the government has managed to establish contact with and rescue 21 Indian nationals from Tamil Nadu.

Jaiswal said the latest figure was as of 1 pm on Thursday.

The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has been in touch with the rescued group, and India's Ambassador to Nepal has spoken to them and assured them of all possible assistance.

The 21 Indians are expected to travel to Kathmandu, after which arrangements will be made for their return to India.

"We are making available their names on our X handle, so you can get the details," Jaiswal said.

He added that the government would continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

PM Modi speaks to Nepal PM

The latest update comes a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli following the tragedy.

During the conversation, PM Modi conveyed India's deepest condolences and said India stood in solidarity with the people of Nepal.

He also offered all possible humanitarian assistance from India to help Nepal deal with the aftermath of the disaster.

India's diplomatic mission in Kathmandu has since been coordinating with the Nepalese authorities to trace Indian nationals, provide assistance to those affected and facilitate their return where required.

The focus is particularly on establishing contact with people in areas where communications have been disrupted.

Embassy coordinating with Nepalese authorities

Jaiswal said India is making every possible effort to reach its citizens through the Nepalese authorities.

"We are making all efforts to reach out to our people through the Nepalese authorities," he said.

The embassy is expected to continue working with local authorities and project officials to determine the status of the Indians who remain uncontactable.

The situation is complicated by the disruption of communications in the affected region, particularly around Rasuwa, where several Indian nationals were present.

For families in India trying to establish contact with relatives who travelled to Nepal, the government is expected to provide further updates as rescue teams and authorities are able to access affected areas.

The MEA has said it will keep updating the status of Indian nationals as verified information comes in.

For now, 290 Indians remain uncontactable, 84 have been rescued, and efforts are continuing to locate and assist the remaining Indian nationals affected by the disaster.