India Launches ‘Operation Brahma’ For Quake-Hit Myanmar

On Saturday, March 29, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Myanmar’s Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and assured India’s humanitarian assistance to help deal with the devastating aftermath of the earthquake that struck Myanmar. The conversation between the two leaders came just hours after India launched ‘Operation Brahma’, an emergency relief mission aimed at providing disaster relief, search and rescue operations, and medical assistance to the affected regions. Unconfirmed reports suggest that the earthquake has resulted in over 1,000 casualties, with many individuals still trapped under debris. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that no Indian citizen is among the casualties so far.

India’s Swift Response – ‘Operation Brahma’

Prime Minister Modi’s Statement

In his statement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep condolences for the loss of lives and pledged India’s full support to Myanmar during this critical period. He emphasized India’s role as a close neighbor and friend, ensuring rapid deployment of disaster relief material, humanitarian aid, and search and rescue teams.

Initial Relief Operations

India mobilized its disaster relief efforts early Saturday morning when a C-130 aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) took off from Hindon Airbase and landed in Yangon carrying critical supplies. This was followed by two more IAF aircraft carrying additional relief materials.

Additionally, India announced that it will set up a field hospital in the earthquake-affected region, providing much-needed medical support to the victims.

Ministry of External Affairs’ Statement on India’s Role

India’s First Responder Role

Randhir Jaiswal, the Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), reiterated India’s commitment to being a first responder in times of crisis. He recalled India’s assistance to Myanmar following Cyclone Yagi in 2024 and assured that India would provide all necessary support in the wake of this earthquake.

Safety of Indian Nationals in Myanmar

Jaiswal further assured that no Indian casualties have been reported so far. He stated that there are around 50,000-60,000 Indian nationals currently residing in Myanmar, while the Indian diaspora in the country is estimated to be around two million. The Indian government is in touch with Indian community organizations in Myanmar to ensure their safety.

Deployment of Indian Military and Naval Forces

Field Hospital Deployment

A fully equipped field hospital is being dispatched from Agra as part of Operation Brahma. This hospital was previously deployed during Operation Dost in Turkey (February 2023) and brings with it significant institutional knowledge in handling disasters of this scale.

Brigadier H.S. Mavi, from the Military Operations Directorate, shared details about the field hospital, stating that it will be led by Lieutenant Colonel Jagneet Gill from the Shatrujeet Brigade Medical Responders. The field hospital will consist of 118 personnel and will include:

• Operational theater
• X-ray and dental facilities
• Lady officers for medical support

Naval Assistance

India has also prepared four naval ships for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) operations. Commodore Raghu Nair from Naval Operations informed that a total of 50 tonnes of relief material is being transported to Yangon via sea routes.

Challenges in Delivering Aid to Affected Regions

Divided Control in Myanmar

A significant challenge for Operation Brahma is Myanmar’s divided political situation. Since the February 2021 military coup, Myanmar has been embroiled in conflict between the ruling junta forces and various Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs).

Many of the earthquake-affected areas, particularly in Sagaing region, are under the control of EAOs rather than the Myanmar government. This presents logistical challenges in delivering aid effectively. When asked about potential coordination with rebel groups, Randhir Jaiswal stated:

“We are coordinating our rescue and relief efforts through the Government of Myanmar. That is our primary channel of engagement.”

Land Route Challenges

While air and sea routes are currently being used for Operation Brahma, officials have indicated that land routes through Manipur and Mizoram might also be explored if permitted by the Myanmar government. However, these routes also traverse areas controlled by rebel forces, making access uncertain.

The Growing Death Toll and the Road Ahead

As of the latest updates, the earthquake death toll in Myanmar has risen to 1,644, with rescue operations ongoing. Search and rescue teams from multiple international organizations are actively working to retrieve survivors from the debris.

India’s Continued Commitment

India has assured long-term support in helping Myanmar recover from the devastation. More aid consignments are expected in the coming days, along with additional medical teams and engineering units to assist in reconstruction efforts.