- India launches ‘Operation Brahma’ for Myanmar quake relief.
- Sends 40+ tonnes aid, 118 medical staff, 80 NDRF personnel.
- Reaffirms role as global first responder in crises.
When disaster strikes, true friends come forward to help. India has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to global humanitarian efforts by launching ‘Operation Brahma’ to aid Myanmar in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake. The massive tremor, which shook Myanmar and parts of Thailand, has left over 1,600 people dead and thousands injured, with entire communities reduced to rubble. While the world watches in horror, India has swiftly stepped in, deploying naval ships, aircraft, and a full-fledged medical team to provide immediate relief and assistance.
India’s Rapid Response to Myanmar’s Earthquake
Understanding the urgency of the crisis, India acted immediately. On Saturday, two Indian naval ships carrying relief materials departed for Myanmar, with two more set to follow in the coming days. The first ship transported 10 tonnes of crucial aid, while the second departed later in the afternoon. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed that INS Satpura and INS Savitri are carrying a total of 40 tonnes of humanitarian supplies, expected to reach Yangon by March 31.
India’s Air Force also joined the relief efforts, deploying multiple aircraft under ‘Operation Brahma.’ The first plane, loaded with 15 tonnes of relief material, took off from Uttar Pradesh’s Hindon Air Force Base and reached Yangon within hours. The Indian ambassador to Myanmar, Abhay Thakur, personally handed over supplies, including tents, blankets, food packets, and essential medicines, to local authorities.
Further demonstrating its commitment, India has sent a 118-member elite medical team from the Indian Army’s Shatrujeet Brigade Medical Responders, led by Lieutenant Colonel Jagneet Gill. This team will establish a 60-bed Medical Treatment Centre in Mandalay, equipped to handle trauma cases and emergency surgeries. Additionally, an 80-member National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team has been deployed to Myanmar’s capital, Nay Pyi Taw, to aid in search and rescue operations, using specialized equipment such as concrete cutters and canine squads.
India’s Legacy of Humanitarian Assistance
While India’s swift and large-scale aid to Myanmar is commendable, this is not the first time India has stepped up in times of crisis. Over the years, India has played a pivotal role in providing emergency assistance to nations struck by natural disasters, reinforcing its status as a global leader in humanitarian relief.
Operation Maitri (2015): In response to Nepal’s catastrophic earthquake, India launched its largest-ever overseas relief operation, sending disaster relief teams, medical personnel, and essential supplies. India provided $1 billion in aid and helped reconstruct 50,000 houses in Nepal’s Gorkha and Nuwakot districts.
Operation Dost (2023): After Turkey and Syria were ravaged by a deadly earthquake, India deployed specialized search and rescue teams, sent tons of relief materials, and provided essential medical aid to affected regions.
Operation Karuna (2023): When Cyclone Mocha struck Myanmar, India swiftly provided 40 tonnes of relief materials, ensuring immediate assistance to those in need.
Palestine Humanitarian Aid (2023): In response to the crisis in Palestine, India sent medical aid, food supplies, and essential relief materials to affected civilians.
Haiti Earthquake (2010): Following the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti, India contributed financial assistance and dispatched medical teams to aid the recovery process.
Cyclone Idai (Mozambique, 2019): India sent naval ships loaded with food, medicine, and other essential supplies to Mozambique after the devastating cyclone.
India: The First Responder in Global Disasters
India’s humanitarian efforts are not just limited to its immediate neighbors but extend globally, proving that its vision of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’—the world is one family—is not just rhetoric but action. Whether it was Nepal in 2015, Syria in 2023, or Myanmar today, India has always led from the front, offering aid without hesitation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his conversation with Myanmar’s military leader General Min Aung Hlaing, reaffirmed India’s commitment to standing with its neighbors in times of distress. “As a close friend and neighbor, India stands in solidarity with the people of Myanmar in this difficult hour,” he stated.
Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing India’s role as a first responder in crises. He cited past missions like ‘Operation Dost’ and ‘Operation Maitri’ as examples of India’s unwavering support for its global allies.
While many powerful nations engage in rhetoric about global cooperation, India continues to lead by example. The swift and large-scale response to Myanmar’s earthquake proves India’s reliability as a global humanitarian force. It is not just about sending aid- it is about commitment, action, and a deep-rooted belief in helping those in need, regardless of borders.
From Nepal to Syria, from Palestine to Myanmar, India’s humanitarian assistance has consistently saved lives, rebuilt communities, and demonstrated the values of compassion and solidarity. The world needs more nations like India- ready to help, ready to lead, and always standing strong in the face of adversity.
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