India Launches Major Humanitarian Aid for Earthquake-Hit Myanmar<br />A powerful earthquake has struck Myanmar and parts of Thailand, claiming over 1,600 lives and causing widespread devastation. In response, India has swiftly launched 'Operation Brahma' to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.<br /><br />On Saturday, India deployed two naval ships carrying essential relief supplies and commenced the deployment of an army field hospital, staffed with 118 medical personnel, to assist those affected by the disaster. Two additional naval vessels will soon join the effort to further bolster India's relief operations.<br /><br />According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the first relief ship, carrying 10 tonnes of supplies, departed early Saturday, followed by a second vessel later in the day. Both ships are expected to reach Yangon by March 31. The upcoming two ships, stationed at Sri Vijaya Puram under the Andaman and Nicobar Command, will set sail in the following days to reinforce India's aid initiative.<br /><br />External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar shared updates on social media, stating that INS Satpura and INS Savitri are transporting 40 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Yangon.<br /><br />India's Air Force has also been actively involved, deploying multiple aircraft as part of the relief mission. The first flight, carrying 15 tonnes of aid, departed from Hindon Air Force Base in Uttar Pradesh at 3 AM and arrived in Yangon by 8 AM. Indian Ambassador to Myanmar, Abhay Thakur, formally handed over the relief materials—including tents, blankets, food packets, and essential medicines—to local authorities.<br /><br />Additional aircraft have been deployed, carrying search-and-rescue teams and personnel for the 118-member army field hospital unit. The medical team, led by Lieutenant Colonel Jagneet Gill from the Indian Army’s Shatrujeet Brigade Medical Responders, is set to establish a 60-bed Medical Treatment Centre in Mandalay. This facility will focus on providing emergency surgical care, trauma treatment, and general medical support.<br /><br />In addition, an 80-member National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team has been dispatched to Nay Pyi Taw. Equipped with specialized tools such as concrete cutters, drill machines, and canine search squads, the team will support local authorities in rescue operations.<br /><br />Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally extended his condolences to Myanmar’s military leader, General Min Aung Hlaing, and assured India’s full support. “As a close neighbor and friend, India stands in solidarity with the people of Myanmar during this difficult time,” he said.<br /><br />MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized India's commitment to rapid disaster response, recalling past humanitarian missions like ‘Operation Dost’ in Turkey and Syria. “Our philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family—drives our actions, and we stand ready to assist those in need,” he stated.
