Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Myanmar’s military junta chief, Min Aung Hlaing, on Saturday, expressing deep condolences over the loss of lives in the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck the country on Friday. He reaffirmed India’s solidarity with the people of Myanmar and assured swift humanitarian assistance under Operation Brahma.
PM Modi announced that disaster relief material, humanitarian aid, and search & rescue teams were being expeditiously dispatched to affected regions.
“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 on X.
On Saturday, India officially handed over relief material to Myanmar. India’s Ambassador to Myanmar, Abhay Thakur, delivered the aid to Yangon’s Chief Minister, U Soe Thein.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “Operation Brahma: India hands over the relief material to Myanmar. The first consignment of relief material was formally handed over to Chief Minister of Yangon U Soe Thein by Ambassador Abhay Thakur in Yangon today.”
India deployed Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft, carrying approximately 15 tonnes of relief material, including:
– Tents
– Blankets & Sleeping Bags
– Food Packets & Hygiene Kits
– Generators & Essential Medicines
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed the mission’s progress, posting on X, “#OperationBrahma gets underway. First tranche of humanitarian aid from India has reached Yangon Airport in Myanmar.”
According to the MEA’s XP Division, two more aircraft are currently being loaded with relief supplies at Hindon Air Force Station and will depart soon for Myanmar.
The 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday has led to widespread devastation, prompting the Myanmar military junta to request international assistance.
According to state broadcaster MRTV, the death toll has risen to at least 1,002 across affected regions, with thousands more injured.
Tremors from the earthquake were felt across Myanmar, reaching Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, and China’s Yunnan province. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported at least 14 aftershocks since the initial quake.
With India leading humanitarian relief efforts, the focus now shifts to rescue operations and international support for Myanmar in its time of crisis.
