India’s Humanitarian Mission Underway
New Delhi/Yangon, March 2025 – India has escalated its humanitarian assistance to Myanmar following the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that has claimed over 1,644 lives and caused widespread destruction. Under ‘Operation Brahma’, the Indian government has deployed military aircraft, naval ships, and specialized rescue teams to aid relief and recovery efforts.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that two C-17 aircraft carrying a 118-member Indian Army Field Hospital Unit, including specialists in women and child care services, along with 60 tonnes of relief material, arrived in Myanmar on Saturday. The aid included essential medical supplies, food packets, tents, and blankets.
In total, five relief flights from India have reached Myanmar, according to MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, who shared updates on social media platform X: “#OperationBrahma continues. Two C-17 aircraft with 118-member Indian Army Field Hospital Unit, including Women & Child Care services and 60 tonnes of relief material have landed in Myanmar. With these, five relief flights from India have landed today.”
Naval and Air Force Deployments in ‘Operation Brahma’
In addition to air operations, two Indian naval ships, INS Satpura and INS Savitri, carrying 40 tonnes of humanitarian aid, were dispatched to the port of Yangon on Saturday. The vessels are equipped with emergency supplies and medical facilities to support rescue and relief efforts.
Meanwhile, a C-130J military transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force has been deployed to deliver additional relief materials, including solar lamps, generator sets, and water purifiers.
Field Hospital and Rescue Teams
India is also setting up a field hospital with 118 medical personnel, including doctors and paramedics, to provide emergency healthcare services. The team is expected to be airlifted from Agra and will offer immediate medical assistance to the affected population.
Additionally, an 80-member National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team, equipped with specialized rescue tools such as concrete cutters, drill machines, and plasma cutters, has been sent to Myanmar. The team will focus on search-and-rescue operations in the worst-hit areas.
Diplomatic Coordination and Response
India’s Ambassador to Myanmar, Abhay Thakur, is currently in Nay Pyi Taw overseeing the relief efforts. The first consignment of aid was officially handed over to Yangon Chief Minister U Soe Thein by the Indian delegation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the people of Myanmar and reaffirmed India’s commitment to providing necessary assistance. He spoke with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the head of Myanmar’s military-led government, emphasizing India’s solidarity with its neighbor during this crisis.
“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 neighbor, India stands in solidarity with the people of Myanmar in this difficult hour,” PM Modi posted on X.
India’s Commitment as First Responder in ‘Operation Brahma’
The MEA reiterated that India follows the policy of being the ‘first responder’ in times of crises affecting its neighbors. India and Myanmar share a 1,643-kilometre-long border, and this humanitarian mission underscores their strong bilateral ties.
With rescue and relief operations underway, India remains committed to assisting Myanmar in its recovery and reconstruction efforts. The situation continues to be monitored closely, and additional aid is expected to be dispatched in the coming days.