NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday spoke with Min Aung Hlaing, the head of Myanmar’s military-led government, offering condolences and support in the wake of the devastating earthquake and subsequent aftershocks. The quake resulted in over 1,600 deaths in the country.
In a post on X, he said: “Spoke with Senior General H E Min Aung Hlaing of Myanmar. Conveyed our deep condolences at the loss of lives in the devastating earthquake. As a close friend and neighbour, India stands in solidarity with the people of Myanmar in this difficult hour.”
India has immediately launched Operation Brahma, an extensive humanitarian mission to assist neighbouring Myanmar in its recovery efforts.
Over 1,500 dead as Myanmar battles quake aftermath
The massive 7.7-magnitude earthquake has led to widespread destruction, with the death toll surpassing 1,644 as more bodies are being pulled from the rubble of collapsed buildings. In response, India has stepped up its relief and rescue operations.
India’s rapid response: ‘Operation Brahma’
Focusing on India’s commitment to aiding its neighbours, the ministry of external affairs stated, “It is our policy to be the first responder.”
- An 80-member
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team has been deployed to Myanmar with specialised rescue equipment, including concrete cutters, drill machines, hammers, and plasma cutting machines.
- The first consignment of
relief materials was formally handed over to Yangon chief minister U Soe Thein by Indian Ambassador Abhay Thakur.
- India has dispatched two naval ships,
INS Satpura and INS Savitri, carrying 40 tonnes ofhumanitarian aid to Yangon, with two more ships to follow.
- A field hospital with 118 personnel from Agra is set to be airlifted later on Saturday to provide medical assistance.
Indian Air Force and Navy deliver crucial aid
EAM Jaishankar confirmed India’s swift response, stating in a post on X: “Operation Brahma: Indian Navy ships INS Satpura & INS Savitri are carrying 40 tonnes of humanitarian aid and headed for the port of Yangon.”
India also deployed a C-130J military transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force to deliver relief materials.
The supplies included tents, sleeping bags, blankets, ready-to-eat meals, water purifiers, solar lamps, generator sets, and essential medicines, as officials said.
Sharing an update, Jaishankar further posted: “#OperationBrahma gets underway. First tranche of humanitarian aid from India has reached the Yangon Airport in Myanmar.”
With a 1,643-kilometer-long border shared between India and Myanmar, the two nations have deep historical and strategic ties.
118-member Indian Army Field Hospital
EAM Jaishankar announced on X: “A 118-member Indian Army Field Hospital unit is en route to Mandalay from Agra. The team will assist in providing first aid and emergency medical services to the people of Myanmar.”
Indian embassy issues emergency number for needy nationals
The Indian embassy in Myanmar has stated that it is facilitating the swift delivery of assistance and relief supplies from India to Myanmar.
“Following yesterday’s devastating earthquake, we are coordinating speedy delivery of assistance & relief supplies from India with Myanmar authorities. We are also in constant touch with Indian community. Reiterate our emergency number for needy Indian nationals:+95-95419602,” the embassy posted on X.
