India Launches ‘Operation Brahma’ For Myanmar Earthquake Relief

Photo: Ministry of Defence

India-West News Desk

NEW DELHI (ANI)- India has launched ‘Operation Brahma’ to assist Myanmar in the aftermath of a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake, reaffirming its commitment to humanitarian assistance and its philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’—the world is one family.

The powerful earthquake, which struck Myanmar on March 29, has caused massive destruction, claiming over 1,700 lives, injuring more than 3,400 people, and leaving nearly 300 missing, according to the country’s military government. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has estimated that the final death toll could exceed 10,000, making it the most severe earthquake to hit Myanmar in over a century. The tremors were felt as far as Bangkok and parts of China, further highlighting the scale of the disaster.

In response, India swiftly mobilized relief efforts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deepest condolences to Myanmar’s Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and assured comprehensive support. Under ‘Operation Brahma,’ the Indian Air Force, Navy, National Disaster Response Force, and other agencies have collaborated to dispatch emergency aid, rescue teams, and medical support.

The first phase of the relief effort saw 15 tons of essential supplies, including tents, blankets, medical aid, food packets, and hygiene kits, airlifted to Yangon. The Indian Air Force deployed five aircraft to transport these supplies, as well as an 80-member NDRF contingent equipped with specialized search and rescue tools and a canine squad.

Further, the Indian Navy launched maritime assistance with four naval vessels—INS Satpura and INS Savitri from the Eastern Naval Command, and INS Karmuk and LCU 52 from the Andaman and Nicobar Command—carrying 52 tons of relief materials. These include emergency provisions such as drinking water, clothing, medicines, and food.

A field hospital comprising 118 medical professionals, including doctors and paramedics, is set to be airlifted from Agra to Mandalay, the most severely affected region, to provide urgent medical care and support long-term recovery efforts.

Indian Ambassador to Myanmar, Abhay Thakur, is coordinating with local authorities in Naypyidaw to ensure efficient distribution of aid and assess further requirements. Discussions are also underway regarding long-term assistance, particularly for rebuilding damaged infrastructure such as bridges and essential services in Mandalay.