New Delhi/Yangon – As Myanmar reels from the devastation of a powerful earthquake that has claimed thousands of lives, India has intensified its humanitarian outreach, launching a full-scale relief operation that includes military personnel, medical assistance, and critical supplies. The operation underlines India’s strategic regional commitment and diplomatic posture in Southeast Asia, aligning firmly with its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.
The relief initiative, named ‘Operation Brahma,’ reflects a coordinated response by the Indian armed forces and humanitarian agencies to support Myanmar in the aftermath of the 6.8-magnitude earthquake and subsequent aftershock that struck near Mandalay, one of Myanmar’s most populous cities.
India’s Elite Response Force on the Ground
In a swift mobilization, India deployed a 118-member specialist team from the Shatrujeet Brigade, an elite paratrooper unit known as the “Airborne Angels.” Transported via two C-17 Globemaster aircraft of the Indian Air Force, the unit established a 200-bed field hospital in Mandalay, complete with intensive care units, surgical facilities, and triage areas.
The facility, set up in coordination with Myanmar’s Ministry of Health, began treating patients within hours of arrival. Local authorities reported that the hospital is already handling multiple trauma cases and performing emergency surgeries. Mandalay’s Chief Minister Myo Aung personally toured the facility, observing the ongoing medical operations and lauding the professionalism of Indian personnel.
Expanding Naval Deployment for Humanitarian Aid
India’s naval assets have also played a crucial role in the relief campaign. INS Karmuk and Landing Craft Utility (LCU) 52 were among the first Indian Navy ships to arrive in Myanmar, docking at Yangon Port on March 30 with around 30 tonnes of relief supplies, including shelter kits, sanitation material, and dry rations.
Shortly after, INS Satpura and INS Savitri reached Yangon on March 31 with an additional 40 tonnes of humanitarian aid, focusing on medical supplies and potable water. The most significant naval dispatch is yet to arrive: INS Gharial, currently being loaded with 440 tonnes of relief goods, is set to deliver rice, edible oil, pharmaceutical supplies, and hygiene kits to Myanmar’s disaster-struck areas.
The Indian Navy is coordinating closely with Myanmar’s naval and port authorities to ensure swift unloading and distribution of supplies to remote inland areas hit hardest by the disaster.
Earthquake’s Toll: A Nation in Grief
Myanmar’s State Administration Council Information Team confirmed that the earthquake and aftershock—measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale—have led to more than 2,000 fatalities, with an additional 3,900 people injured and over 270 still missing. Entire neighborhoods have collapsed in Mandalay, while rural areas report heavy casualties and infrastructure damage.
The epicenter, located just 20 km from Mandalay, has made the region the worst affected. The widespread tremors have severely damaged schools, hospitals, roads, and communication networks. Villages in the surrounding regions of Sagaing, Magway, Shan State, Nay Pyi Taw, and Bago have reported massive destruction, prompting Myanmar’s National Disaster Management Committee to declare a state of emergency across several districts.
Satellite imagery has revealed extensive landslides and collapsed bridges, especially in the hilly zones of northern Mandalay and western Shan. Aid workers say entire communities remain inaccessible, with communication blackouts complicating relief efforts.
India’s Relief Operation: A Symbol of Regional Solidarity
India’s rapid mobilization of military and humanitarian assets underscores the deep strategic and cultural ties it shares with Myanmar. Officials in New Delhi emphasized that the relief initiative is rooted in the ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ philosophy—“The world is one family”—that guides India’s foreign policy in the region.
Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra reiterated India’s commitment to Myanmar, stating, “This is not just assistance. It is an expression of solidarity with the people of Myanmar in their hour of crisis.”
The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that New Delhi has kept all logistical channels open for further deployments, including helicopters for aerial drops in remote villages and mobile clinics to address immediate medical needs.
In addition, the Indian Embassy in Yangon has established a Relief Coordination Centre, acting as a hub for ongoing operations and liaising with both Myanmar’s government and international humanitarian agencies, including the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA).
Aiding Myanmar in Its Darkest Hour
While India’s state-led mission dominates the headlines, Indian NGOs and civil society groups are also mobilizing resources. Organizations such as the Indian Red Cross, Doctors For You, and SEWA International are working alongside Myanmar’s local networks to expand the reach of aid distribution, particularly in underserved and rural areas.
Meanwhile, India’s defense attaches and consular officials are overseeing the distribution of aid to ensure that supplies reach victims efficiently and transparently. According to Indian Navy sources, strict monitoring protocols have been instituted to prevent hoarding or mismanagement at the ground level.
India has also begun discussions with ASEAN and SAARC partners to coordinate regional relief efforts. Officials noted that a joint task force may be set up with regional stakeholders to plan long-term reconstruction support, particularly for critical infrastructure like schools, hospitals, and water supply systems.
Regional and Global Response Lags Behind
While India has taken a lead in providing assistance, the international response has remained muted. The West’s engagement with Myanmar has been limited due to ongoing political tensions and sanctions, constraining formal aid channels. This has amplified the importance of India’s intervention, both logistically and diplomatically.
Aid experts argue that India’s neutral stance and long-standing bilateral ties have positioned it as one of the few capable actors able to deliver meaningful assistance to Myanmar without geopolitical baggage.
China, which maintains strong economic and infrastructural stakes in Myanmar, has reportedly sent minor assistance so far, but no comprehensive military or medical deployment has been confirmed. Other regional players, including Thailand and Malaysia, have pledged support but are yet to scale their response.
India’s Strategic Footprint in Southeast Asia
Analysts view India’s actions not just through a humanitarian lens but also as part of a broader geopolitical strategy. With ongoing efforts to counter China’s influence in Myanmar and the wider Indo-Pacific, India’s outreach signals its readiness to act as a stabilizing force in the region.
Moreover, India’s proactive involvement allows it to deepen defense and people-to-people ties with the Myanmar military and civilian administration, even as the country grapples with internal instability.
Myanmar serves as a critical gateway to India’s Act East Policy, connecting India’s northeast with Southeast Asia. Any instability in Myanmar directly affects border states such as Manipur and Mizoram, making regional stability a key strategic concern for New Delhi.
Domestic Support for the Mission
India’s domestic public has broadly supported the humanitarian efforts. Political parties across the spectrum have praised the Indian Army and Navy for their quick response. The Indian media has highlighted the efforts as a reflection of India’s growing stature in regional diplomacy and disaster response.
Public donations are also pouring in, with Indian crowdfunding platforms raising funds for additional relief packages. Several Indian companies with operations in Southeast Asia have pledged monetary and logistical support for rebuilding efforts.
India’s comprehensive and rapid response to the Myanmar earthquake disaster marks a significant chapter in regional disaster diplomacy. By deploying military expertise, medical infrastructure, and massive aid consignments, India has reaffirmed its role as a reliable partner in Southeast Asia. The operation not only provides timely relief to a neighbor in distress but also strategically strengthens India’s standing in the region. As Myanmar begins the arduous task of rebuilding, India’s solidarity and sustained engagement will remain crucial in shaping the path forward.
