After a 7.7-magnitude earthquake devastated Myanmar and parts of Thailand, India has stepped up relief efforts under ‘Operation Brahma’, deploying naval ships, Air Force aircraft, and medical teams to the affected regions.
The earthquake, which struck on March 28, has claimed over 1,600 lives and caused widespread destruction across Myanmar and Thailand.
Indian Naval Ships Carrying Relief Supplies to Myanmar
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal announced that India has sent four naval ships with humanitarian aid:
- INS Satpura & INS Savitri: Carrying 40 tonnes of relief materials, these ships are en route to Yangon.
- First ship (10 tonnes of relief supplies): Departed early on March 30.
- Second ship: Left in the afternoon, also heading to Yangon.
- Two additional ships: Stationed at Sri Vijaya Puram (Andaman & Nicobar Command), will depart soon.
The aid includes tents, blankets, food packets, and essential medicines for affected families.
Also Read: Operation Bramha in Myanmar earthquake, India sending aids
Indian Air Force Delivers Critical Relief Supplies
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has deployed multiple aircraft to deliver relief materials and medical personnel:
- First aircraft: Departed from Hindon Air Force Base (Ghaziabad, UP) at 3 AM on March 30, arriving in Yangon by 8 AM.
- Two more aircraft: Carrying search and rescue teams and medical personnel.
The Indian Ambassador to Myanmar, Abhay Thakur, personally handed over aid materials to Yangon’s Chief Minister.
118-Member Army Field Hospital Unit to Provide Medical Aid
India is deploying a 118-member Army Field Hospital Unit under the Shatrujeet Brigade Medical Responders, led by Lieutenant Colonel Jagneet Gill. This team will establish a 60-bed Medical Treatment Centre in Mandalay to:
- Treat trauma cases
- Conduct emergency surgeries
- Provide general medical care
NDRF Deploys 80-Member Search & Rescue Team to Nay Pyi Taw
India has also dispatched an 80-member National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team to Myanmar’s capital, Nay Pyi Taw. This elite unit is equipped with:
- Concrete cutters & drill machines
- Specialist search & rescue tools
- Canine squads to locate survivors trapped under debris
PM Modi Offers Condolences, Assures Full Support to Myanmar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Myanmar’s military leader, General Min Aung Hlaing, offering condolences and pledging full support.
“As a close friend and neighbor, India stands in solidarity with the people of Myanmar in this difficult hour,” PM Modi stated on social media.
India’s Commitment as a First Responder
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized India’s role as a “first responder” to disasters in the region, citing previous missions like:
- ‘Operation Dost’ (Turkey & Syria Earthquake Relief, 2023)
- Cyclone Mocha relief efforts (Bangladesh & Myanmar, 2023)
“When we say Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (The world is one family), we mean it—and we prove it through action,” Jaiswal said.
