NEW DELHI – In the wake of a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake that rocked Myanmar on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended condolences to the people of Myanmar and assured immediate Indian support through humanitarian assistance. The disaster, which has devastated central regions of the country, particularly around Mandalay, has left over 1,000 dead, more than 2,300 injured, and dozens still unaccounted for.
Through a post on social media platform X, the Indian Prime Minister revealed that he had spoken directly with Myanmar’s military leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, to express solidarity and convey India’s unwavering support as a neighbor and regional partner. “As a close friend and neighbour, India stands in solidarity with the people of Myanmar in this difficult hour,” Modi stated. He added that search and rescue teams, along with disaster relief supplies, were already en route under Operation Brahma, India’s emergency response initiative.
Operation Brahma: India’s Rapid Response Mechanism in Action
India’s reaction to the catastrophe has been both swift and comprehensive. Within 24 hours of the earthquake, the Indian government activated Operation Brahma, an emergency humanitarian assistance mission. The first consignment of aid, comprising tents, blankets, food packets, hygiene kits, portable generators, and essential medical supplies, was dispatched on Saturday. The materials were formally handed over in Yangon by Indian Ambassador Abhay Thakur to Chief Minister U Soe Thein of Yangon Region.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) released a statement confirming the handover and reaffirming the country’s commitment to aiding its Southeast Asian neighbor during the crisis. The MEA emphasized that Operation Brahma was designed to deliver quick, targeted assistance to affected regions, especially those hardest hit near the earthquake’s epicenter.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also acknowledged the mission’s progress, stating via X that the first tranche of humanitarian aid had successfully reached Yangon Airport, marking the formal start of India’s on-ground operations in Myanmar.
Rising Death Toll and Complicated Relief Efforts
The earthquake, centered near Mandalay, has left a trail of destruction across a region already mired in political instability and armed conflict. Dozens of buildings have collapsed, and critical infrastructure including roads and communication lines have been severely damaged, complicating rescue operations. The military-led government in Myanmar, grappling with internal unrest and insurgencies, formally requested international assistance shortly after the quake struck.
As of Saturday evening, official figures released by Myanmar authorities reported 1,002 fatalities and 2,376 injuries, with at least 30 individuals still missing. Authorities anticipate the numbers will rise further as aftershocks continue and access to remote areas remains restricted.
Search and rescue operations are being hindered by ongoing clashes between the junta and resistance forces, a situation that makes aid distribution both risky and logistically challenging. Several displacement camps, home to civilians fleeing conflict zones, have also been impacted by the tremors, increasing the humanitarian burden.
India’s Position Amid Regional Crisis
India’s prompt action has been viewed as part of its broader strategy of neighbourhood-first diplomacy. By launching Operation Brahma, New Delhi seeks not only to alleviate suffering but also to reinforce its role as a regional humanitarian partner. This is especially significant given that the geopolitical landscape in Myanmar is being closely watched by other powers such as China and Russia, who have also pledged support.
Two more aircraft are currently being prepared at Hindon Air Force Station for additional dispatches, carrying more relief material including water purification systems, mobile medical units, and engineering equipment. Indian authorities are coordinating with both Myanmar’s disaster management teams and international NGOs to identify high-need zones for aid delivery.
India’s involvement has drawn international attention, given the volatile situation in Myanmar. With continued civil conflict and allegations of human rights violations by the military regime, India’s decision to provide direct aid has sparked both praise and scrutiny. However, government officials have made it clear that the humanitarian nature of the operation transcends political considerations.
Global Aid Efforts and Regional Solidarity
Beyond India, China, Malaysia, Russia, Thailand, and Singapore have also pledged material and logistical support. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) has issued an urgent appeal for international assistance and deployed preliminary assessment teams to evaluate the scope of the disaster.
The response from regional players highlights a growing recognition of the need for collaborative disaster response mechanisms in Southeast Asia, particularly in countries vulnerable to seismic activity and civil unrest. The ASEAN Disaster Emergency Response Unit is expected to coordinate multinational relief efforts, though access to conflict-hit zones will remain a critical obstacle.
India’s Strategic Humanitarian Engagement
India’s Operation Brahma may serve as a strategic template for future disaster response in the region. Analysts suggest that such missions allow India to reinforce bilateral ties, project soft power, and maintain influence in a region where China’s assertive diplomacy is expanding. Unlike China, whose support to Myanmar has often come under scrutiny for enabling the military regime, India’s assistance is being framed as people-centric, aimed directly at alleviating human suffering.
India’s National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has also been kept on standby to deploy specialized teams, including dog squads and structural engineers, should Myanmar request further assistance. Meanwhile, the Indian Army’s medical corps is preparing field hospitals to be transported if ground conditions allow.
Public Reaction and Diplomatic Channels
Back home, India’s rapid action has drawn bipartisan praise. Humanitarian organizations, foreign policy experts, and regional think tanks have lauded the government’s proactive stance. The public sentiment appears strongly supportive of aiding Myanmar during a crisis, especially given the long-standing cultural and trade connections between the two nations, particularly across the India-Myanmar border states like Manipur and Mizoram.
However, diplomatic caution continues. Officials have remained tight-lipped about whether any communication with Myanmar’s opposition groups or ethnic militias has occurred in the context of aid distribution. Given India’s strategic concerns along its northeastern frontier, stability in Myanmar remains vital for India’s internal security as well.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the momentum of Operation Brahma, significant challenges lie ahead. Myanmar’s fractured internal landscape, ongoing military operations, and lack of civilian infrastructure in rural areas mean that getting aid to those most in need will remain an uphill task. With monsoon season approaching, the risk of flooding, landslides, and disease outbreaks could worsen the humanitarian situation.
Indian officials are reportedly working with international relief agencies to set up logistics corridors and drop zones in safer areas, allowing aid to be transported to local responders who can then reach deeper into affected zones. Continued aftershocks are also raising concerns about the safety of both survivors and rescue personnel.
India has also extended an open offer to coordinate with other donor countries for joint airlifts, medical missions, and engineering support if required. This cooperative approach may help streamline efforts and avoid duplication of aid.
India’s decisive and immediate launch of Operation Brahma demonstrates both its humanitarian intent and regional responsibility. As one of the first countries to respond to the Myanmar earthquake, New Delhi has sent a clear message of solidarity, focusing on relief over politics. While challenges remain in delivering aid within a conflict-ridden landscape, India’s continued support could prove crucial in stabilizing the crisis and offering much-needed relief to thousands affected by one of the most destructive earthquakes Myanmar has seen in recent years.
