India has stepped up relief efforts for Myanmar following a devastating earthquake, delivering 15 tonnes of aid on Saturday under the emergency mission ‘Operation Brahma.’ Additional supplies and rescue teams are being sent by air and sea to assist those affected.
Demonstrating India’s commitment to supporting its neighbor, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Myanmar’s Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, expressing condolences for the lives lost. He reaffirmed India’s solidarity with Myanmar during this challenging time, stating on X that India stands by its people as a close friend and neighbor.
India Launches ‘Operation Brahma’ to Aid Myanmar
India was among the first countries to extend support after Myanmar experienced one of its strongest earthquakes in a century. The powerful 7.7-magnitude quake struck on Friday, causing widespread devastation by crippling airports, buildings, bridges, and highways. The impact was also felt in neighboring Thailand, where several structures collapsed.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized that India acted as the “first responder” to assist Myanmar, which is already struggling with an ongoing civil war that has severely impacted its economy and displaced millions. The earthquake has claimed over 1,600 lives and injured more than 2,300 people in Myanmar, while Thailand has reported 10 fatalities so far.
Following the disaster, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep concern over the loss of lives and damage, assuring that India is ready to provide all necessary assistance. He directed Indian authorities to stay on standby and maintain communication with the governments of Myanmar and Thailand.
To accelerate relief efforts, the Indian government launched ‘Operation Brahma’, mobilizing resources to deliver aid and support to the affected regions.
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India Sends Massive Relief Aid to Myanmar
In a swift humanitarian response through Operation Brahma, an Indian Air Force aircraft carrying 15 tonnes of relief supplies took off for Yangon, Myanmar, early Saturday morning. The aid package included essential items such as tents, sleeping bags, blankets, ready-to-eat meals, water purifiers, solar lamps, generator sets, and medicines.
India’s Ambassador to Myanmar, Abhay Thakur, officially handed over the relief materials to Yangon’s Chief Minister, U Soe Thein.
A few hours later, Indian Navy ships INS Satpura and INS Savitri set sail for Yangon, carrying an additional 40 tonnes of humanitarian aid. Officials confirmed that two more Indian Air Force aircraft, packed with relief supplies, are being prepared for departure from Hindon Air Force Station.
In addition to Operation Brahma aid, India has sent specialized rescue and medical teams to assist in post-earthquake recovery efforts. An 80-member National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team has been deployed to Naypyidaw, Myanmar’s capital, for search and rescue operations, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated.
Equipped with advanced tools like concrete cutters, drills, hammers, and plasma cutting machines, the NDRF team is prepared for high-intensity rescue work. Four trained rescue dogs have also been sent to assist in locating survivors.
As part of its ongoing humanitarian mission, a 118-member team from the Indian Army Field Hospital unit has been deployed to Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, which suffered the worst destruction. The team will provide first aid and emergency medical services to those affected, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed.
#OperationBrahma
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.
🇮🇳 🇲🇲 pic.twitter.com/ULMp19KjEf
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) March 29, 2025The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the next 24-48 hours are critical for the rescue teams to maximize their impact and actively contribute to relief efforts. Meanwhile, a third NDRF team is on standby in Kolkata, ready to be airlifted to Myanmar if needed, according to officials.
As Operation Brahma commenced, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Myanmar’s military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, expressing India’s unwavering support.
“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,” PM Modi tweeted.
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. Disaster relief material,…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 29, 2025India has previously deployed NDRF personnel for international disaster relief, notably during the 2015 Nepal earthquake and the 2023 Turkiye earthquake, reinforcing its commitment to global humanitarian assistance.
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FAQs
Q.1. What is Operation Brahma?
Ans. Operation Brahma is India’s emergency relief mission to assist Myanmar after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake, providing aid, rescue teams, and medical assistance.
Q.2. How is India helping Myanmar through Operation Brahma after the earthquake?
Ans. India has sent relief supplies, medical teams, and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel to assist in search, rescue, and recovery efforts in Myanmar.
Q.3. How much aid has India sent to Myanmar through Operation Brahma?
Ans. India has sent over 55 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including food, tents, medicines, water purifiers, and solar lamps, along with specialized rescue teams and medical units.
Q.4. Has India helped other countries in disaster relief before?
Ans. Yes, India has deployed NDRF teams for global disaster relief, including the 2015 Nepal earthquake and the 2023 Turkiye earthquake.
Q.5. What is Prime Minister Modi’s statement on the Myanmar earthquake?
Ans. PM Modi expressed deep condolences and reaffirmed India’s solidarity with Myanmar, stating that India stands by its people as a close friend and neighbor.
