Operation Brahma in Myanmar: India Sends Relief, Rescue Teams To Earthquake Hit Country

India has mounted a large-scale humanitarian mission to assist Myanmar following the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck on March 28, killing over 2,000 people and leaving hundreds missing.

The Indian Navy has emerged as a first responder, with multiple ships delivering critical aid to Yangon. INS Satpura and INS Savitri arrived on March 31 carrying 40 tons of relief supplies, while INS Karmuk and LCU 52 docked this morning with an additional 30 tons of aid. In a significant boost to relief operations, INS Gharial is being loaded with 440 tons of essential supplies including rice, edible oil and medicines for immediate dispatch.

Complementing naval efforts, the Indian Army has established a state-of-the-art 200-bed field hospital in Mandalay as part of Operation Brahma. Deployed via two IAF C-17 Globemaster aircraft, the medical facility with 118 personnel is already operational and providing surgical care to survivors. Mandalay Chief Minister Myo Aung inspected the hospital earlier, acknowledging its critical role in the relief efforts.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed India's solidarity, stating: "As a close friend and neighbor, we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Myanmar in this hour of need." The operation's name - Brahma, after the Hindu god of creation - reflects India's commitment to helping rebuild the quake-ravaged nation.

The earthquake, which originated along the Sagaing Fault, was followed by a powerful 6.4 magnitude aftershock, compounding the destruction. With over 2,056 confirmed deaths and 270 still missing, Myanmar's military government has declared a week of national mourning till April 6.

India's rapid deployment of naval assets, medical teams and relief supplies underscores its position as a reliable regional partner in disaster response, building on its experience as a first responder in previous regional crises.