A catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, causing widespread devastation, with over 2,000 people dead and nearly 3,900 injured. The impact was felt across multiple regions, including Sagaing, Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw, Shan, and Bago. In response, India, upholding its long-standing ‘Neighborhood First’ policy, launched a rapid humanitarian mission, Operation Brahma, to provide immediate aid to its distressed neighbor. This swift intervention highlights India’s consistent role as the first responder to natural disasters in the region.
Operation Brahma: India’s Immediate Relief Efforts
India wasted no time in launching a comprehensive relief effort. On Saturday, it dispatched five military aircraft loaded with relief supplies, rescue teams, and medical equipment. An Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft delivered an initial tranche of 15 tons of humanitarian assistance in Yangon, with two C-130 and two C-17 aircraft landing in Nay Pyi Taw, carrying an 80-member National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) search and rescue team and 120 medical personnel. The total humanitarian aid transported by these aircraft amounted to 85 tonnes.
Further reinforcing the relief efforts, two Indian Navy ships, INS Satpura and INS Savitri, reached Yangon on Monday, carrying 50 tonnes of emergency supplies. Three additional Navy ships—INS Karmukh, INS Gharial, and LCU-52—are currently en route with over 500 tonnes of additional aid, ensuring sustained support for Myanmar’s affected population.
Extensive Deployment of Indian Rescue Teams and Medical Assistance
Under Operation Brahma, India deployed an 80-member NDRF team to Myanmar, along with a specialized rescue team from the Indian Army’s 50 (I) Para Brigade. These teams have been stationed at over a dozen affected sites in Mandalay since March 30, working tirelessly to locate survivors and provide medical assistance. The Indian Army medical team also set up a field hospital at the old airport in Mandalay, treating those in urgent need of care.
As the relief mission continues, India has assured Myanmar of its unwavering support in the weeks ahead, committing to assisting in both immediate rescue operations and long-term rehabilitation efforts.
India’s Role as the Region’s First Responder
India’s proactive response to Myanmar’s earthquake is a reflection of its broader commitment to humanitarian aid in the region. The Indian Embassy in Myanmar highlighted that India shares deep historical, cultural, and spiritual ties with Myanmar, historically known as ‘Brahmadesh’ in ancient India. This mission is not just an act of assistance but an extension of India’s traditional bonds of friendship.
The Indian government has consistently demonstrated its willingness to step up as a first responder to crises in the region. Whether through rapid deployment of emergency aid, medical teams, or relief supplies, India continues to reaffirm its commitment to regional stability and human welfare.
India’s History of Humanitarian Assistance to Neighboring Countries
India has a long history of providing immediate assistance to neighboring nations facing natural disasters:
· Nepal Earthquake (2015): India launched Operation Maitri, sending extensive relief, medical teams, and engineering units to aid in reconstruction efforts.
· Sri Lanka Floods and Landslides (2017): India dispatched relief materials, medical teams, and naval assistance.
· Cyclone Mocha (2023) in Bangladesh and Myanmar: India provided essential relief aid and emergency assistance.
· Afghanistan Earthquake (2022): India supplied medical aid and food assistance despite geopolitical challenges.
These examples highlight India’s deep commitment to regional humanitarian efforts, reinforcing its role as a reliable and compassionate neighbor.
A Testament to India’s Neighborhood Policy
India’s rapid and extensive response to Myanmar’s earthquake disaster reaffirms its dedication to its ‘Neighborhood First’ policy. Operation Brahma is a powerful demonstration of India’s readiness to assist in times of crisis, ensuring that no neighbor stands alone in the face of adversity. As Myanmar embarks on its journey to recovery, India remains a steadfast ally, committed to providing both immediate relief and long-term support.
Through its history of disaster response and regional cooperation, India has cemented its reputation as a responsible and dependable partner, not just in words but through decisive and meaningful actions.
(With inputs from agencies)
