Naypyidaw [Myanmar], April 5 (HBTV): India and other Quad nations have joined forces to provide over USD 20 million in humanitarian aid to Myanmar in response to the devastating earthquake that struck the country on March 28. The aid initiative is also intended to assist neighbouring Thailand, which was affected by the quake.

India’s support, under Operation Brahma, includes bilateral aid already dispatched to Myanmar. In addition, India, the United States, Australia, and Japan are coordinating efforts with other partners, including ASEAN, to deliver life-saving assistance.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X: ‘India, along with Quad partners, stands with the people of Myanmar & Thailand in the wake of the March 28 earthquake. For Myanmar, alongside our bilateral aid, we’ve joined hands with our Quad partners to contribute over USD 20M in humanitarian aid & are coordinating with other partners, including ASEAN, to deliver life-saving assistance.’

India launched Operation Brahma to provide essential support, including search and rescue (SAR), humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and medical assistance, following the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that left thousands dead and widespread destruction in Myanmar.

On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Myanmar's Senior General Min Aung Hlaing on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok. During the meeting, PM Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to assisting Myanmar in its time of crisis.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said: ‘The PM conveyed to the Senior General that as the first responder, India stands with Myanmar in the hour of need and is ready to deploy more material assistance as needed. The PM also underlined the importance of early restoration of the democratic process in Myanmar through credible elections.’

India’s National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is leading the ground-level efforts as part of Operation Brahma. Deputy Commander Kunal Tiwari, overseeing the search and rescue operations, stated that 80 NDRF personnel are deployed, supported by four specially trained canines and advanced equipment for rigging, lifting, cutting, and bridging operations.

As of Tuesday, India has delivered 625 metric tons of humanitarian aid and disaster relief materials to Myanmar.

(ANI)