India Launches Operation Brahma to Aid Earthquake-Hit Myanmar
On March 29, 2025— In a swift and compassionate response to the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar on March 28, 2025, India has launched Operation Brahma to provide critical humanitarian assistance. The earthquake, which has claimed at least 1,002 lives and caused widespread destruction, prompted Myanmar’s military junta to issue a rare request for international aid. India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has stepped up to support its neighbor during this crisis, showcasing its commitment to global disaster response.
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar announced the deployment of an 80-member National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team to Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, on Saturday morning. The team, equipped with specialized search and rescue gear, departed on an Indian Air Force aircraft, as captured in images shared by Dr. Jaishankar on X.
The earthquake, with its epicenter in central Myanmar, sent tremors as far as Bangkok, Thailand, where high-rise buildings were evacuated. The disaster has left thousands homeless, with collapsed buildings and infrastructure damage exacerbating the crisis. Myanmar’s junta chief, Min Aung Hlaing, reached out for international support, and India was among the first to respond.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to Min Aung Hlaing, reaffirming India’s unwavering support. “India stands ready to offer all possible assistance,” PM Modi stated. Under Operation Brahma, India has already delivered its first consignment of relief material, including tents, food, and medical supplies, handed over to Yangon’s Chief Minister by Indian Ambassador Abhay Thakur. Additionally, Indian Navy ships INS Satpura and INS Savitri have set sail for Yangon port, carrying 40 tonnes of humanitarian aid to further bolster relief efforts.
The NDRF team, known for its expertise in disaster response, includes engineers, medics, and dog squads trained for search and rescue missions. The NDRF has a storied history of life-saving operations, both domestically and internationally. Since its inception, the force has saved over 155,205 lives and evacuated more than 800,420 people from disaster-stricken areas, including during the 2011 Japan Triple Disaster, the 2015 Nepal Earthquake, and the 2023 Türkiye Earthquake. Closer to home, during the 2018 Kerala floods, the NDRF evacuated over 10,000 people, earning widespread acclaim for its efficiency and bravery.
“The NDRF team has 80 rescuers. It is an urban and search rescue team. It has been sent in two flights; one flight has already taken off (for Myanmar), and the other is about to take off from Hindon Air Base. The next 24-48 hours are very crucial. We also have a reserve team that has been kept in Kolkata, so whenever there is confirmation of sending the second team there, they are ready to take off…” says DIG NDRF Mohsen Shahedi.
A Belgian Malinois, part of the NDRF’s canine unit, was also pictured, highlighting the team’s use of trained dogs to locate survivors in rubble, a critical asset in earthquake rescue missions.
Apart from NDRF, 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.
Operation Brahma is a testament to India’s growing role as a first responder in global crises, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. As the NDRF and Indian Army team begins its work in Myanmar, the world watches a display of solidarity and expertise that could save countless lives in the aftermath of this tragic earthquake.
