NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed deep condolences to Myanmar following the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck the country on Friday. In a post on X, he reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting Myanmar in this difficult time.
“Spoke with Senior General H.E. Min Aung Hlaing of Myanmar. Conveyed our deep condolences at the loss of lives in the devastating earthquake. As a close friend and neighbour, India stands in solidarity with the people of Myanmar in this difficult hour. Disaster relief material, humanitarian assistance, search & rescue teams are being expeditiously dispatched to the affected areas as part of #OperationBrahma,” PM Modi posted.
Following his message, India swiftly launched ‘Operation Brahma’ to provide relief assistance. The first consignment of aid, including tents, blankets, food packets, hygiene kits, generators, and medical supplies, was dispatched on Saturday. Indian Ambassador to Myanmar, Abhay Thakur, formally handed over the relief material to Yangon’s Chief Minister, U Soe Thein.
The Ministry of external affairs (MEA) confirmed India’s rapid response, stating, “Operation Brahma: India hands over the relief material to Myanmar. The first consignment was formally handed over by Ambassador Abhay Thakur in Yangon today.”
External affairs minister S Jaishankar also acknowledged the effort, writing on X, “#OperationBrahma gets underway. First tranche of humanitarian aid from India has reached the Yangon Airport in Myanmar.”
Myanmar’s military junta, facing an ongoing civil war, had made an urgent plea for international assistance following the earthquake. The disaster struck near Mandalay, causing widespread destruction, collapsing buildings, and leaving thousands injured. Tremors were felt as far as Thailand and China’s Yunnan province, with multiple aftershocks recorded.
The junta-led government reported that 1,002 people had died, with over 2,376 injured and 30 still missing. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue efforts continue amid difficult conditions. The ongoing conflict in Myanmar has complicated relief operations, making it difficult to reach some affected areas.
India is among the first nations to respond with aid. Two additional aircraft carrying further relief supplies are being prepared for departure from Hindon Air Force Station. Other countries, including China, Russia, and Malaysia, have also pledged assistance.
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