India Initiates Operation Sadbhav to Assist Typhoon-Hit ASEAN Countries

India has dispatched urgent aid to Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar under Operation Sadbhav to help them cope with the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi. The typhoon, which originated in the South China Sea, has caused severe flooding and devastation in these countries. Over 170 people have died in Vietnam, and around 40 have lost their lives in Myanmar due to the storm.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that Operation Sadbhav aligns with India's Act East Policy and aims to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief within the ASEAN region. India has sent humanitarian aid worth USD 1,000,000 to Vietnam and USD 100,000 to Laos. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced that 10 tonnes of aid, including dry rations, clothing, and medicines, were sent to Myanmar aboard the Indian naval ship INS Satpura.

Humanitarian Assistance to Vietnam

A C-17 military transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force delivered 10 tonnes of relief materials to Laos. Additionally, 35 tonnes of aid are being sent to Vietnam. Jaishankar highlighted on X: "India launches #OperationSadbhav. Demonstrating our solidarity with the people affected by Typhoon Yagi, India is dispatching aid to Myanmar, Vietnam and Laos." He added that 10 tonnes of aid, including dry rations, clothing, and medicines, left for Myanmar onboard @indiannavy INS Satpura today.

The MEA said that the government launched Operation Sadbhav to extend emergency humanitarian assistance following the floods caused by Typhoon Yagi. Under this operation, India has provided assistance to the Vietnamese government to support communities in northern Vietnam affected by the disaster. A consignment of 35 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including water purification items, water containers, blankets, kitchen utensils, and solar lanterns, was airlifted to Vietnam today by a special aircraft.

Support for Laos

The MEA noted that the humanitarian support for Vietnam reflects the close ties between the two nations under their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sympathies and solidarity to Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh immediately after the typhoon struck. Jaishankar also extended sympathies to Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Vietnam Bui Thanh Son.

Floods and landslides have caused extensive damage to property and agricultural land in northern Laos, affecting around 40,000 people. Ten tonnes of humanitarian relief supplies have been sent to the Lao PDR government. The supplies include hygiene kits, blankets, mosquito nets and repellents, sleeping bags, gensets, water purifiers, water purification tablets, disinfectants, and other materials. These were airlifted today on a special aircraft from India.

Myanmar Relief Efforts

The Indian Navy has started rapid preparations for HADR operations in response to the devastating flash floods in Myanmar. The Eastern Naval Command coordinated with the Eastern Fleet and other supporting units for overnight loading of HADR pallets onto an Indian naval warship from Visakhapatnam for operations in Yangon. This included drinking water, rations, and medicines.

Commander Vivek Madhwal stated that this swift mobilisation showcases the Navy's ability to respond quickly to humanitarian crises despite short notice. The MEA emphasised that Operation Sadbhav is part of India's broader effort to contribute to humanitarian assistance within the ASEAN region.

India's prompt response through Operation Sadbhav demonstrates its commitment to supporting neighbouring countries during natural disasters. The aid provided will help alleviate some of the suffering caused by Typhoon Yagi in Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar.