India Sends Relief Material to Myanmar After Devastating Earthquake

India sent 15 tonnes of relief materials to earthquake-hit Myanmar on March 28, 2025, including medical supplies and essential items. Prime Minister Modi assured support to Myanmar and Thailand while announcing his visit to the BIMSTEC summit. The summit is significant as it marks the first in-person meeting of member countries post-pandemic and amid regional tensions.

On March 28, 2025, India dispatched about 15 tonnes of relief material to Myanmar following a significant earthquake. This operation was conducted using an IAF C-130J aircraft from Air Force Station Hindon. The supplies included essentials such as tents, sleeping bags, blankets, meals, water purifiers, hygiene kits, solar lamps, generator sets, and crucial medical supplies like antibiotics and other emergency items.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed India’s commitment to assist Myanmar and Thailand after the region was hit by a 7.7 magnitude earthquake. This pledge of support coincided with the announcement of his upcoming visit to Thailand for the sixth BIMSTEC summit scheduled for April 3-4, 2025. Modi emphasized the need for standby arrangements and coordination with local governments to facilitate effective relief efforts.

In a subsequent engagement, Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East) of the Ministry of External Affairs, highlighted the critical need for collaboration in humanitarian assistance in the BIMSTEC region. He noted the area’s vulnerability to natural disasters and underscored India’s focus on disaster management through humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) exercises.

The impending BIMSTEC summit marks the first in-person meeting of the seven member countries since 2018, being significant since it occurs after the pandemic and amid various regional tensions, including the civil war in Myanmar and political instability in Bangladesh. The recent earthquake has further complicated the humanitarian landscape, prompting India to analyze damage reports and immediate assistance requirements.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri mentioned that India has remained proactive in regional disaster responses, reinforcing its role as a reliable first responder whenever such challenges arise in the neighborhood.

In summary, India’s prompt response to the earthquake in Myanmar demonstrates its commitment to regional cooperation and humanitarian support. The dispatch of relief materials and the Prime Minister’s assurances reflect a strong initiative to assist neighbors during crises. The upcoming BIMSTEC summit presents an opportunity to strengthen collaborative efforts in disaster management amidst ongoing regional challenges.

Original Source: www.thehindu.com