India has ramped up its relief efforts for Myanmar following the catastrophic earthquake through ‘Operation Brahma’. This initiative includes the deployment of two C-17 aircraft carrying an 118-member Indian Army field hospital unit, which offers services for women and children, along with 60 tonnes of relief supplies. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that these provisions reached Myanmar on Saturday.

In total, five relief flights from India have successfully arrived in Myanmar, as reported by MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

Taking to social media platform X, Jaiswal stated: “#OperationBrahma is ongoing. Two C-17 aircraft containing an 118-member Indian Army Field Hospital Unit, including Women & Child Care services, and 60 tonnes of relief supplies, have landed in Myanmar. Today marks the fifth relief flight arrival from India.”

In another update on X, the spokesperson noted: “A C-130 aircraft has landed in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, delivering 38 personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and an additional 10 tonnes of relief supplies. This marks the third Indian aircraft from the Indian Air Force delivering assistance today under #OperationBrahma.”

Earlier on Saturday, two Indian naval ships, INS Satpura and INS Savitri, set sail towards Yangon carrying 40 tonnes of humanitarian aid. Moreover, a field hospital staffed with 118 medical personnel, including doctors and medics, is scheduled for airlift from Agra later in the day.

The MEA announced that the initial batch of relief materials—comprising tents, blankets, food packets, and essential medicines—was successfully delivered to Yangon by air. The Indian ambassador is presently in Nay Pyi Taw to coordinate the relief operations, with no reported casualties among the Indian community in Myanmar.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his condolences to the Myanmar populace, affirming that India will continue to provide necessary support. The Indian Navy is collaborating closely with Myanmar’s authorities to ensure the efficient execution of the relief operations.

Additionally, an 80-member National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team, including specialists and rescue dogs, is on its way to Nay Pyi Taw to commence rescue operations. This initiative underlines India’s unwavering support for Myanmar, particularly given the nations share a 1,643-kilometre border.

On Saturday, PM Modi communicated with Min Aung Hlaing, the military leader of Myanmar, to express his sympathies and offer assistance following the tragic earthquake and its aftershocks. The quake has resulted in over 1,600 fatalities in the region.

In a post on X, Modi remarked: “Spoke with Senior General H E Min Aung Hlaing of Myanmar. I expressed our deep condolences for the lives lost in the devastating earthquake. As a close friend and neighbour, India stands in solidarity with the people of Myanmar in this challenging time.”

Responding to the needs of its neighbour, India launched Operation Brahma, a comprehensive humanitarian mission to support Myanmar in its recovery following the massive 7.7-magnitude earthquake, which has caused extensive destruction and a rising death toll exceeding 1,644 as more victims are found beneath the rubble.

The MEA stressed India’s commitment to aiding its neighbours, declaring, “It is our policy to be the first responder.” An 80-member NDRF team is equipped with specialized rescue tools such as concrete cutters and drill machines to facilitate the operations.

The first relief shipment was formally handed over to Yangon Chief Minister U Soe Thein by Indian Ambassador Abhay Thakur.

Previously, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar highlighted India’s swift response, stating on X: “Operation Brahma: Indian Navy ships INS Satpura and INS Savitri are on their way to Yangon with 40 tonnes of humanitarian aid.”

India has also deployed a C-130J military transport aircraft for the delivery of relief supplies, which includes tents, sleeping bags, blankets, ready-to-eat meals, water purifiers, solar lamps, generator sets, and essential medications, according to MEA officials.

In a further update, EAM Jaishankar posted: “#OperationBrahma is underway. The first tranche of humanitarian aid from India has reached Yangon Airport in Myanmar.”

Earlier, the Indian embassy in Myanmar assured that it is facilitating the rapid delivery of assistance and supplies in coordination with Myanmar authorities in light of the earthquake. They emphasized their readiness to assist, reiterating their emergency contact number for Indian nationals in need: +95-95419602.