Vineeta Rao
Auckland, April 3, 2025
India reaffirms its role as the Neighbourhood First Responder with massive assistance roll out to Myanmar following a devastating earthquake.
In the wake of the devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28, 2025, India stepped into its role as a major player in the Global South to mount ‘Operation Brahma,’ possibly the biggest response by a foreign country to offer humanitarian assistance.
The 7.7 magnitude earthquake has killed over 2700 people and injured nearly 4000 others.
Myanmar sits on the convergence of four tectonic plates, causing it to be considered as ‘geologically active.’ The 1200 km long Sagaing Fault is believed to be where the 7.7 magnitude earthquake originated, followed by an aftershock of 6.4 magnitude, further amplifying the destruction.
Believed to be the most powerful earthquake to hit the tiny nation since 1912, the impact was also felt as far away as Bangladesh and China. In India, too, tremors and aftershocks were experienced in the northeastern states.
Response and Relief
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing condolences on behalf of the people of India, assured Myanmar’s military Junta Chief, Min Aung Hlaing, of his country’s support during this difficult time.
Operation Brahma was subsequently launched to provide necessary support, including Search and Rescue (SAR), humanitarian aid, disaster relief and medical assistance.
Brahma symbolises India’s commitment to aiding in the reconstruction and recovery efforts and being the first responder in times of crisis in the neighbourhood.
The External Affairs Ministry (EAM) said that six aircraft and five Indian Naval ships have delivered 625 metric tonnes of Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) material so far.
In addition to 15 tonnes of supplies, including tents, essential medicines, blankets and food, dispatched aboard a C-130J aircraft to Yangon on 29th March, a second tranche was dispatched on two IAF C-130J aircraft. Both arrived in Naypyitaw on 30th March.
An 80-member team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), equipped with advanced rescue tools such as concrete cutters, drill machines, and plasma cutters. This team has been actively involved in search and rescue operations across multiple sites in Mandalay, working tirelessly to locate and save survivors trapped under the rubble.
The second aircraft carried 17 tonnes of personal protective equipment, search and communication equipment, and rescue equipment, and the other carried 5 tonnes of HADR materials such as gensets, hygiene kits, food packets, essential medicines, kitchen sets and blankets.
EMA also announced a third tranche, which accounted for two IAF C-17 aircraft transporting a 118-member Indian Army Field Hospital Team accompanied by over 60 tons of supplies, including rapidly deployable surgical and medical shelters, water sanitation and hygiene services. They carried supplies for women and children. The 200-bed field hospital is now fully functional and operating in Mandalay, treating patients and performing urgent medical care, including emergency treatments, trauma management, and surgical interventions.
In addition to the NDRF team, the Indian Navy dispatched five ships, including INS Satpura and INS Savitri, carrying 52 tonnes of humanitarian aid, essential medicines, sleeping bags, blankets, and food supplies, which were handed over in Yangon. On April 1st, INS Gharial, the amphibious warfare vessel, set sail from Vishakhapatnam, carrying further supplies, including food for the people of Myanmar.
The Indian Air Force also played a crucial role, airlifting additional relief materials and medical supplies to the affected regions and has deployed six aircraft in rescue efforts.
Long-Term Recovery
Operation Brahma underscores India’s commitment to supporting Myanmar not only in immediate relief efforts but also in long-term recovery and reconstruction. The operation follows the framework established by other relief operations launched by the Indian government in the neighbourhood and beyond, such as Operation Rahat (Nepal, 2015), Operation Maitri (Haiti, 2010) and most recently, Operation Dost (Turkey & Syria, 2023).
As the relief efforts continue, India remains dedicated to providing all possible support to its neighbour, reaffirming its role as a responsible and compassionate global partner.
Vineeta Rao is an Indian Newslink Reporter based in Auckland.
