NEW DELHI: In a swift response to the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28, 2025, India has ramped up its relief efforts, sending two C-17 aircraft loaded with 60 tonnes of essential supplies and a 118-member Indian Army Field Hospital Unit. This initiative is part of Operation Brahma, a humanitarian mission designed to assist the people of Myanmar in the aftermath of the disaster.
The Indian Army's medical team, which includes specialists in Women and Child Care services, is preparing to set up a 60-bed Medical Treatment Centre to provide emergency care, trauma treatment, and essential medical services to those affected. Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), emphasized India’s commitment to being a first responder in regional crises. "With these, five relief flights have landed in Myanmar today," Jaiswal stated in a post on X.
In addition to the C-17 aircraft, a C-130 aircraft has also successfully landed in Naypyitaw, carrying 38 personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) along with 10 tonnes of relief supplies. The Indian government has indicated that more support is on the way, with two additional C-17 aircraft scheduled to arrive soon, bringing 60 Para Field Ambulances.
The earthquake has had a catastrophic impact on Myanmar, with reports indicating at least 1,600 fatalities and injuries to over 3,400 individuals. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has issued a warning that the total death toll could exceed 10,000.
India's rapid response underscores its long-standing policy of humanitarian assistance in times of crisis. In a special briefing regarding Operation Brahma, Jaiswal reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to providing all possible support to Myanmar. "A massive earthquake struck Myanmar yesterday around afternoon time. We all are aware of the kind of destruction that it has left. Massive loss of life and property has been reported," he said.
During a conversation with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing of Myanmar, PM Modi conveyed his deepest condolences and expressed solidarity with the government and people of Myanmar. "We would do our best to provide relief, rescue, and whatever assistance is required to deal with this calamity," he reassured.
The first aircraft from India took off from Hindon Air Force Base at 3 AM and reached Yangon by 8 AM IST on March 29, 2025. The Indian ambassador was present to hand over the relief material to the Chief Minister of Yangon. Jaiswal detailed that this first flight carried 15 tonnes of supplies, including tents, blankets, essential medicines, tarpaulins, sleeping bags, generators, solar lamps, food packets, and kitchen sets.
Furthermore, a contingent of 80 NDRF personnel is being dispatched to Myanmar for relief and rescue operations. Jaiswal indicated that the aid is being sent to Naypyidaw and will subsequently be transported to Mandalay, the region most severely affected by the earthquake.
The third tranche of support, which includes a field hospital staffed by around 118 specialists, is set to leave from Agra later in the day. This team will also be deployed to Naypyidaw and then to Mandalay, where they will coordinate with local authorities to provide necessary medical assistance.
Jaiswal also noted that two of four naval ships equipped with Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) supplies have already departed, with the remaining ships scheduled to leave shortly. The Indian Navy is coordinating with the Myanmar Navy to ensure a smooth landing and operation.
Moreover, the Indian Ambassador to Myanmar, Abhay Thakur, is actively involved in coordinating the efforts with local authorities to assess ongoing needs. "He'll be discussing whether what sort of long-term support would be required because we understand that in the Mandalay area where the devastation caused by the earthquake is maximum, a lot of bridges, there has been a lot of damage to physical infrastructure, so there I'm sure a lot of support would be required," Jaiswal explained.
India has a history of being the first responder in times of crisis, having previously launched similar operations, such as Operation Dosti during Cyclone Yagi. The commitment to humanitarian assistance extends beyond Myanmar, reflecting India’s broader policy to be a reliable partner in times of need.
As the situation continues to evolve, the Indian government remains vigilant and prepared to provide further assistance as necessary. Prime Minister Modi is expected to visit Bangkok, Thailand, from April 3-4 to participate in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, where discussions on regional cooperation and disaster response may arise.
In summary, India's proactive approach in the wake of the Myanmar earthquake demonstrates not only its commitment to humanitarian aid but also reinforces the sentiment captured in the phrase "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," which translates to "the world is one family." This philosophy is at the heart of India's foreign policy, particularly in times of humanitarian crises.
