India Launches Operation Brahma to Aid Earthquake-Stricken Myanmar

India has ramped up its relief and rescue efforts in earthquake-stricken Myanmar under 'Operation Brahma,' sending two naval ships to the neighboring country on Saturday. Additionally, an 118-member army field hospital is being deployed to provide urgent medical care to the injured.

Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed in a briefing that two more Indian naval ships would follow as part of this humanitarian mission.

India sends armed forces to deliver relief, deploy rescue team, and field hospital for Myanmar earthquake victims | Hindustan Times

The first ship, carrying 10 tonnes of relief supplies, departed in the early hours, while the second one set sail on Saturday afternoon. Both are expected to reach Yangon by March 31, according to a senior officer of the Indian Navy.

The remaining two ships, which will follow shortly, are stationed at Sri Vijaya Puram under the Andaman and Nicobar Command.

‘Operation Brahma’ was launched early on Saturday to provide humanitarian aid to the earthquake-affected areas in Myanmar. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar provided updates on the operation through multiple posts on X.

“@indiannavy ships INS Satpura & INS Savitri are carrying 40 tonnes of humanitarian aid and headed for the port of Yangon,” he posted on X in the afternoon.

In response to a question about the number of aircraft deployed for the operation, Jaiswal stated that one aircraft departed early in the morning, followed by two additional sorties. He also mentioned that two aircraft are part of the field hospital unit, which is scheduled to depart from Agra later on Saturday, as stated during the evening's special briefing.

The Ministry of Defence issued a statement in the evening announcing that a 118-member team from the renowned Shatrujeet Brigade Medical Responders, led by Lieutenant Colonel Jagneet Gill, is preparing to depart for Myanmar along with necessary medical equipment and supplies.

“The Airborne Angels Task Force is trained and equipped to deliver advanced medical and surgical care in disaster-affected zones,” it said.

As part of the operation, the Indian Army will set up a 60-bed Medical Treatment Centre to offer immediate care to those injured in the disaster. This facility will be equipped to handle trauma cases, emergency surgeries, and provide essential medical services, supporting the local healthcare system that has been overwhelmed by the calamity, according to the defence ministry.

Later in the evening, the external affairs minister shared an update on the deployment of the field hospital in another post on X.

“#OperationBrahma A 118-member Indian Army Field Hospital unit is en route to Mandalay from Agra. The team will assist in providing first aid and emergency medical services to the people of Myanmar,” the EAM wrote and shared a few photos as well.

On Friday, a powerful earthquake struck Myanmar and neighboring Thailand, causing widespread destruction to buildings, bridges, and other structures.

Reports indicate that at least 1,002 people have died in Myanmar. India shares a 1,643-kilometre-long border with Myanmar to the east.

Jaiswal mentioned that India's ambassador to Myanmar is currently in Nay Pyi Taw, the capital, to oversee the relief efforts. He also confirmed that no casualties have been reported among the Indian community in Myanmar.

The MEA spokesperson highlighted India’s active role as a “first responder” in national disasters and natural calamities. He recalled the relief provided by India last year after Cyclone Yagi hit Myanmar and emphasized the extensive scale of the earthquake’s damage in the country.

“Brahma is the God of creation. At a time when we are extending a helping hand to the Government of Myanmar, to the people of Myanmar to rebuild their country in the wake of the devastation, this particular name of the operation has a special resonance, a special meaning,” the MEA spokesperson said.

The first aircraft, loaded with 15 tonnes of relief supplies, departed from Hindon Air Force base in Ghaziabad at approximately 3 AM this morning. It arrived in Yangon around 8 AM India time, where the Indian ambassador was present to receive the materials. Following this, the ambassador handed them over to the Chief Minister of Yangon. The supplies include tents, blankets, essential medicines, tarpaulins, sleeping bags, generators, solar lamps, food packets, and kitchen sets.

“Two aircraft with search and rescue personnel and equipment along with canines, one of them have left I understand, and the other is in process of leaving for Nay Pyi Taw… In short, there are 80 NDRF search and rescue team personnel, specialists, along with equipment and a canine squad, is also part of this team,” he added.

The MEA stated that they are expected to arrive in Nay Pyi Taw later on Saturday evening. The field hospital team will land in Nay Pyi Taw, where they will be transported to the Mandalay area with the support and coordination of the Government of Myanmar.

“Soon after the tragedy struck Myanmar, our PM conveyed his concerns and expressed that India was ready to provide all support, all possible support to Myanmar, to the people of Myanmar and the Government of Myanmar in this hour of crisis,” Jaiswal said.

Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed heartfelt condolences to Senior General Min Aung Hlaing on behalf of the people and Government of India for the loss of lives.

He also expressed that “we stand in solidarity with the government and the people of Myanmar and that we would do our best to provide relief, rescue and whatever assistance required to deal with this calamity”.

Regarding the movement of the four naval ships, Jaiswal stated that the Indian Navy is coordinating with their Myanmarese counterparts to ensure smooth operations.

“Our embassy is very active. They are in touch with Indian community organisations…So far, no casualty has been reported among the Indian nationals, and we are in touch with Indian community organisations for their welfare and safety,” he mentioned that there is a significant Indian diaspora in Myanmar.

When asked about India's response to the calamity in Myanmar, Jaiswal highlighted that India has always been the "first responder" to such disasters. He also recalled 'Operation Dost,' which India launched in 2023 following the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria.

“It is part of our policy to be the first responder. When we say Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, we also mean it, and we want to prove it by action. And, we are humbled…to extend support to Myanmar in this situation,” he said.

NDRF Deputy Inspector General (Operations) Mohsen Shahedi informed reporters at a press conference organized by the Ministry of External Affairs that the next 24-48 hours are "critical" for the force to become "effectively engaged" and for their "active participation" on the ground.

A senior Army official mentioned that the field hospital being deployed had also been involved in ‘Operation Dost,’ and additional field hospital units are on standby for deployment if necessary.

(This Article was originally published by First Post)