India was among the first nations to extend immediate assistance and humanitarian support after Myanmar was struck by a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake on Friday. The tremor, one of the most powerful to hit the country in over a century, caused widespread destruction, crippling key infrastructure such as airports, bridges, highways, and buildings. The devastation was not confined to Myanmar alone, as the impact of the earthquake was felt in neighboring Thailand, where several structures collapsed. The tragedy comes at a time when Myanmar is already in the throes of a prolonged and violent civil conflict, which has severely weakened its economy and displaced millions. The dual crises have further exacerbated the humanitarian situation in the country, making rescue and relief operations even more challenging. As per official reports, over 1,600 people have lost their lives in Myanmar, and more than 2,300 have been injured, while Thailand has reported 10 confirmed fatalities.
In response to the disaster, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that India acted as a ‘first responder,’ offering prompt aid and emergency relief to Myanmar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his deep concern over the situation, emphasizing India's unwavering commitment to standing by its neighbors during times of crisis. He assured that all possible assistance would be provided and directed relevant authorities to remain on high alert to ensure swift mobilization of aid. "Concerned by the situation in the wake of the earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand. Praying for the safety and well-being of everyone. India stands ready to offer all possible assistance. In this regard, I have asked our authorities to be on standby and also directed the MEA to remain in touch with the governments of Myanmar and Thailand," PM Modi said.
India wasted no time in organizing a large-scale relief mission. In the early hours of Saturday, an Indian Air Force (IAF) C-17 Globemaster aircraft carrying 15 tonnes of relief materials departed for Yangon, Myanmar. The shipment included critical supplies such as tents, sleeping bags, blankets, ready-to-eat food, water purifiers, solar lamps, portable generator sets, and essential medicines. Upon arrival, India's ambassador to Myanmar, Abhay Thakur, formally handed over the consignment to Yangon’s Chief Minister, U Soe Thein, ensuring immediate distribution to those in dire need.
A few hours later, two Indian Navy warships, INS Satpura and INS Savitri, carrying an additional 40 tonnes of humanitarian aid, set sail for Yangon’s port. Indian authorities also confirmed that two more Indian Air Force aircraft, fully loaded with additional relief materials, are being readied for deployment from Hindon Air Force Station. These efforts underscore India's commitment to providing sustained humanitarian assistance to its neighbor.
Apart from supplying essential relief materials, India has also dispatched specialized teams to assist in search, rescue, and medical operations in Myanmar. An 80-member National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team has been deployed to Naypyidaw, the capital city, where extensive damage has been reported. The NDRF personnel are equipped with advanced disaster response tools, including high-powered concrete cutters, hydraulic drill machines, hammers, plasma cutting equipment, and life-detection instruments to aid in rescue operations. Additionally, the team is accompanied by four highly trained search-and-rescue dogs to help locate survivors trapped under debris.
Recognizing the urgent need for medical support, India has also sent a 118-member team from the Indian Army's Field Hospital unit to Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, which has witnessed the most severe destruction. The team, consisting of doctors, paramedics, and medical specialists, will provide first aid, trauma care, and emergency medical assistance to those affected by the disaster. The hospital unit has been set up with temporary shelters, mobile operation theaters, and essential medical supplies to cater to a large number of patients.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized that the next 24 to 48 hours will be critical for relief operations, as timely intervention will play a key role in minimizing casualties and preventing further suffering. Indian officials have confirmed that a third NDRF team remains on standby in Kolkata and is ready to be airlifted to Myanmar should the need arise.
As Operation Brahma, India’s official relief mission, got underway, Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally reached out to Myanmar’s military leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, to express his condolences and reaffirm India’s commitment to assisting the country in its hour of need. "Spoke with Senior General H.E. Min Aung Hlaing of Myanmar. Conveyed our deep condolences for 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 tweeted. His conversation with the military leader highlights India's diplomatic engagement and its willingness to extend humanitarian support irrespective of geopolitical complexities.
India has a long history of providing humanitarian aid in the wake of natural disasters, both within its borders and abroad. The deployment of NDRF personnel for international disaster relief operations has occurred on select occasions, including the 2015 Nepal earthquake and the 2023 Turkiye earthquake. These past missions demonstrated India's capacity to conduct large-scale emergency response operations efficiently. With this latest mission in Myanmar, India continues to uphold its role as a regional leader in disaster response, offering both immediate relief and long-term support.
The unfolding crisis in Myanmar serves as a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability to natural calamities, particularly earthquakes. Experts suggest that the Indo-Myanmar seismic belt remains highly active, with the potential for future tremors. The latest earthquake has not only caused immense loss of life and property but has also exposed the fragility of Myanmar’s disaster preparedness infrastructure. International humanitarian agencies and neighboring countries are closely monitoring the situation, with many expected to contribute aid in the coming days.
For India, this mission is not just about providing relief but also about reinforcing its longstanding diplomatic and humanitarian ties with Myanmar. As relief efforts intensify, the focus remains on ensuring timely medical care, continued search-and-rescue operations, and the delivery of essential supplies to those in need. The coming days will be crucial in determining the full extent of the damage and how the international community, including India, can further contribute to Myanmar’s recovery.
