New Delhi– In the wake of the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday, India has launched a comprehensive humanitarian mission under the banner of ‘Operation Brahma’, deploying both personnel and resources to assist its neighbor in crisis. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that two C-17 aircraft carrying a 118-member Indian Army Field Hospital Unit and 60 tonnes of relief material have successfully landed in Myanmar.
This coordinated response underscores New Delhi’s growing role as a regional first responder and a proactive player in disaster relief operations. The Indian contingent includes specialized teams with expertise in trauma care, emergency surgery, and women and child healthcare services—a holistic approach intended to address the complex medical needs arising from the catastrophe.
Multi-Flight Operation Underway
The relief mission, which is ongoing, has seen five Indian Air Force flights land in Myanmar as of Saturday. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed this in a social media post, detailing that the deployment forms part of a larger assistance operation. Jaiswal emphasized that India’s contribution also includes essential medical infrastructure to support Myanmar’s overwhelmed healthcare system.
Among the aircraft dispatched, a C-130 plane landed in Naypyitaw, bringing in 38 personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and an additional 10 tonnes of critical relief supplies. The NDRF team is equipped to conduct search and rescue operations, provide emergency relief, and assist with logistical coordination in affected areas.
Two more C-17 aircraft are scheduled to arrive soon, carrying the 60 Para Field Ambulances, which will reinforce the Indian Army’s medical unit on the ground.
Indian Army’s 60-Bed Field Hospital to Support Myanmar’s Strained System
A key component of Operation Brahma is the establishment of a 60-bed Medical Treatment Centre by the Indian Army. This facility will offer emergency surgical services, trauma response, and general medical care, aimed at treating the hundreds of injured citizens who are struggling to find immediate medical attention.
With local healthcare infrastructure in Myanmar stretched thin due to the scale of the disaster, the Indian field hospital is expected to fill critical gaps. The centre will also be equipped to deal with secondary health crises such as infections, dehydration, and malnutrition, which often arise in post-earthquake scenarios.
Rapid Deployment from Hindon Air Force Base
The first tranche of humanitarian aid left Hindon Air Force Station early Saturday morning. The consignment included tents, medicine, ready-to-eat food, water purification systems, and medical kits, reflecting a strategy tailored to address both immediate survival needs and longer-term health concerns.
Indian officials confirmed that this swift deployment was the result of a high-level inter-agency coordination effort involving the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Defence, and the Indian Air Force. Priority was given to speed, scale, and specificity, ensuring that the relief items matched the on-ground requirements as relayed by Myanmar’s emergency response agencies.
Earthquake Toll Mounts in Myanmar
As India ramps up relief operations, Myanmar continues to grapple with the aftermath of the catastrophic earthquake. The official death toll has climbed to 694, with 1,670 injured, according to data released by the country’s military junta. The Mandalay region, located near the epicenter, has borne the brunt of the damage.
Authorities report that 68 people are still missing, as search-and-rescue operations continue in the hardest-hit areas. Many regions remain inaccessible, with debris-blocked roads and collapsed bridges hampering rescue efforts. Electricity and communication lines are also severely disrupted, especially in rural and mountainous areas.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has warned that the final toll could be significantly higher, potentially exceeding 10,000 fatalities, based on preliminary modeling of the region’s population density and building vulnerability.
India’s Humanitarian Diplomacy in Action
India’s immediate and large-scale response under Operation Brahma reflects its broader regional policy of “Neighbourhood First”, wherein humanitarian outreach plays a central role in foreign relations. Similar initiatives were undertaken during past regional disasters—such as the Nepal earthquake in 2015, and assistance missions to Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.
The Indian government’s approach in Myanmar is viewed not just as an expression of solidarity, but also as a strategic investment in regional stability. With rising geopolitical uncertainty in Southeast Asia, India’s presence on the ground also reinforces its soft power and strategic relevance in the Indo-Pacific theatre.
By integrating humanitarian aid with military logistics and civil administration, India aims to position itself as a dependable and capable first responder in times of regional crisis. This operation comes at a time when other global powers are perceived to be focused on domestic issues or more prominent international conflicts.
Operational Challenges on Ground
Despite the commendable scale of aid, logistical hurdles remain. Indian teams are reportedly encountering difficult terrain, damaged infrastructure, and language barriers in the affected zones. To address this, liaison officers with prior experience in ASEAN countries and familiarity with local dialects have been attached to field units.
Furthermore, Myanmar’s complex internal security dynamics and ongoing civil unrest in certain regions require Indian personnel to operate with heightened security awareness. The MEA has coordinated with Myanmar’s military to ensure safe zones for relief activities, particularly around Mandalay and Naypyitaw.
Regional Cooperation and Global Response
While India’s Operation Brahma is currently among the most organized international responses, other nations and international agencies are also mobilizing aid. However, political sensitivities around Myanmar’s military-led government have deterred some Western countries from engaging directly.
India’s stance has been to engage pragmatically, focusing on people-centric relief, without making political judgments. This positions New Delhi as a bridge between humanitarian need and diplomatic caution, filling a vacuum in global response to the Myanmar tragedy.
India’s Operation Brahma serves as a powerful demonstration of its capabilities in crisis response, humanitarian logistics, and regional solidarity. By deploying specialized medical units, rescue personnel, and essential supplies within hours of the earthquake, New Delhi has showcased a model of rapid and strategic humanitarian engagement. As Myanmar continues to recover, India’s assistance is likely to have a lasting impact—not only on the lives saved, but also on the broader regional perception of India’s leadership role in Southeast Asia.
