In the wake of a devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar, causing over 1,000 fatalities and injuring thousands more, India has once again proven its commitment to regional solidarity through ‘Operation Brahma.’ Acting as the ‘First Responder,’ India swiftly mobilized resources, dispatching rescue teams and essential humanitarian aid to assist its distressed neighbor.
Operation Brahma – India acts as a First Responder to assist the people of Myanmar affected by yesterday’s massive earthquake.
Our first tranche of 15 tonnes of relief material, including tents, blankets, sleeping bags, food packets, hygiene kits, generators, and essential… pic.twitter.com/6Nx7Bez9ne
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) March 29, 2025
Understanding the urgency of the crisis, India promptly launched ‘Operation Brahma’ to provide immediate assistance to Myanmar.
Within hours of the earthquake, the Indian government deployed its rescue teams, dispatched essential supplies, and sent aircraft and naval vessels to the affected regions.
Taking to social media, External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar emphasized India’s commitment to assisting Myanmar in its time of need.
“Indian Navy ships INS Satpura & INS Savitri are carrying 40 tonnes of humanitarian aid and headed for the port of Yangon,” he announced.
Additionally, an 80-member National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) team has been deployed to Myanmar to conduct search and rescue operations. The first tranche of relief material, amounting to 15 tonnes, reached Yangon via an Indian Air Force (IAF) cargo plane. The consignment, which included tents, sleeping bags, food packets, hygiene kits, and essential medicines, was formally handed over to Yangon’s Chief Minister U Soe Thein by Indian Ambassador Abhay Thakur.
India’s rapid response to Myanmar’s crisis is not an isolated effort.
India’s credible history as First responder in HADR operations
Over the years, India has consistently stepped up as a reliable first responder to global and regional crises, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR).
Following a catastrophic earthquake in Nepal in 2015, India launched Operation Maitri, one of its largest-ever relief operations, deploying the Indian Army, Air Force, and NDRF teams with medical aid and relief materials.
The same year, Operation Rahat successfully evacuated nearly 5,000 Indian and foreign nationals from war-torn Yemen, earning praise for its efficiency.
In 2023, Operation Dost saw India sending NDRF teams, medical supplies, and relief materials to Turkey and Syria after a devastating earthquake.
Operation Ganga in 2022 was another example of India’s commitment to humanitarian efforts, as it facilitated the evacuation of thousands of stranded Indian students and nationals from war-affected Ukraine.
India’s prompt response to Myanmar’s earthquake through Operation Brahma reaffirms its commitment to humanitarian diplomacy and regional stability. By prioritizing assistance to neighbors in distress, India not only upholds its ethos of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family) but also strengthens its position as a global humanitarian leader. With each mission, India continues to set an example of responsible leadership, proving that when disaster strikes, it is always ready to extend a helping hand.
