An IAF C-130J Super Hercules with relief material for Myanmar. (Photo: Ministry of External Affairs)
New Delhi: India launched a relief operation codenamed “Operation Brahma” on Saturday to provide critical humanitarian assistance to Myanmar and Thailand after a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck the region on Friday.
The first tranche of 15 tonnes of relief materials was delivered to Myanmar on Saturday. India deployed an Indian Air Force C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft to dispatch the supplies, which included tents, sleeping bags, blankets, ready-to-eat meals, water purifiers, solar lamps, generator sets, and essential medicines.
The foreign minister, S Jaishankar, announced in a series of posts on X that the first shipment of humanitarian aid from India under Operation Brahma had reached Yangon Airport in Myanmar. The relief materials were handed over to the chief minister of Yangon, U Soe Thein, by the Indian envoy to Myanmar, Abhay Thakur.
The foreign ministry spokesman, Randhir Jaiswal, stated that India had acted as a “first responder” to assist the people of Myanmar affected by Friday’s massive earthquake.
The earthquake that struck Myanmar and neighbouring Thailand on Friday destroyed buildings, bridges and other infrastructure. According to the latest reports, over 1,000 people are feared killed in the disaster, with tens of thousands still missing.
The Indian embassy in Myanmar confirmed it is coordinating the speedy delivery of assistance and relief supplies from India. “We are also in constant touch with Indian community. Reiterate our emergency number for needy Indian nationals: +95 - 95419602,” the embassy posted on X.
The prime minister, Narendra Modi, expressed concern on Friday over the devastating earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand, affirming that India stands ready to offer all possible assistance to the two countries. On X, he also directed Indian authorities to remain on standby for orders on the relief mission and instructed the Ministry of External Affairs (foreign ministry) to maintain contact with the Thai and Burmese governments.
Widespread Devastation
The earthquake’s epicentre was located near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, causing extensive damage across various regions.
Reports indicate that buildings, bridges, and even a monastery were destroyed in the quake’s aftermath. Witnesses described harrowing scenes of chaos as residents fled swaying structures and dust clouds engulfed urban areas.
In Thailand, the tremors also led to significant damage, including the collapse of an under-construction highrise in Bangkok.
Operation Brahma Explained
In response to the crisis following the earthquake in Myanmar and neighbouring Thailand, India launched Operation Brahma to deliver essential relief materials to the affected areas.
An Indian Air Force C130J aircraft departed from Hindon air force station in Ghaziabad on Saturday, loaded with vital supplies to support relief operations for those impacted by the disaster.
Last year, during floods and typhoons in Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar, India sent aid through Operation Sadbhav. This year, India has named its relief initiative Operation Brahma.
This initiative is part of India’s broader commitment to humanitarian aid in times of crisis. India previously extended support during the devastating earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria through Operation Dost, reinforcing its role as a reliable partner in global humanitarian efforts.
Note: This story has been updated at 4.10pm, Saturday, March 29, 2025, with fresh inputs.
