KKN Gurugram Desk | In a rapid response to the devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28, 2025, India has immediately initiated ‘Operation Brahma,’ sending its military, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and medical teams to provide humanitarian assistance. The powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake has wreaked havoc across Myanmar, particularly affecting regions like Mandalay, Naypyidaw, Sagaing, Bago, and Magway. The death toll has surpassed 2,700, with thousands more injured, and extensive damage has left roads destroyed, buildings collapsed, and communication systems paralyzed.

As Myanmar struggles with the aftermath of this disaster, India has been one of the first nations to offer its support. Under Operation Brahma, India has deployed relief teams, including the Indian Army, NDRF, and medical personnel, to assist in search-and-rescue operations and provide medical care. The Indian Air Force has also contributed significantly, transporting hundreds of tons of essential relief materials, including food, medicines, tents, blankets, and other necessities, to Yangon.

Overview of the Devastating Earthquake in Myanmar

On March 28, 2025, Myanmar experienced a massive earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7, causing widespread destruction across the country. Several regions, including Mandalay, Naypyidaw, Sagaing, Bago, and Magway, were severely affected. Thousands of buildings collapsed, roads were damaged, and communication networks were knocked out. The immediate aftermath left thousands of people trapped under rubble, while many others sustained serious injuries. According to the State Administration Council of Myanmar, over 2,700 people have been confirmed dead, and 2,376 have been injured, with 30 still reported as missing.

Operation Brahma: India’s Swift Humanitarian Response

In response to the dire situation, India has acted quickly to provide emergency relief and rescue operations under ‘Operation Brahma.’ The Indian government, through the Indian Army and NDRF, has sent a significant amount of relief material, including food, medical supplies, and temporary shelters. The NDRF teams, equipped with cutting-edge tools like concrete cutters and drill machines, are working tirelessly to rescue survivors trapped under debris.

In addition to the material support, India has also dispatched a 118-member medical team led by Lieutenant Colonel Jagneet Gill of the Shatrujeet Brigade. This medical team has been working around the clock to treat the injured, providing vital healthcare services in the affected areas.

The Indian Air Force, using its aircraft, and the Indian Navy have played a critical role in delivering hundreds of tons of relief materials to Yangon, Myanmar. The ongoing support is expected to continue as the situation develops.

Setting Up Temporary Medical Centers

As part of its relief efforts, the Indian Army has set up a 60-bed temporary medical center in the affected regions, providing immediate care to those severely injured. Medical teams are focusing on treating trauma victims and providing emergency surgical care. The NDRF teams are also actively engaged in removing debris, focusing on areas where people are feared to be trapped.

Challenges in Relief and Rescue Operations

Despite the extensive relief efforts, significant challenges remain. The damage to infrastructure, including the destruction of the Yangon-Mandalay highway, has made it difficult to transport relief materials to remote areas. Additionally, the collapse of buildings and the loss of communication networks have complicated the rescue operations. The destruction of essential infrastructure, along with the disconnection of communication lines, has hampered the coordination of rescue efforts.

The situation remains dire, with experts predicting that the death toll could rise as high as 10,000. The U.S. Geological Survey has warned that this figure could be reached as recovery operations continue and more bodies are discovered.

India’s Commitment to Myanmar’s Recovery

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences in a phone call to Myanmar’s military leader, General Min Aung Hlaing, assuring him of India’s support in this difficult time. Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s commitment to Myanmar’s recovery, stating that the country would stand by Myanmar in line with India’s “Neighborhood First” and “Act East” policies. Local organizations and religious groups in Myanmar have also been working tirelessly to assist, though their efforts have been constrained by limited resources and the extensive damage.

As time passes, the chances of finding survivors under the rubble diminish, but rescue teams continue to work tirelessly. Locals report that many people may still be trapped, and the lack of heavy machinery and specialized experts is slowing down the rescue efforts. Nonetheless, India’s teams, along with Myanmar’s local administration, are putting in every effort to bring relief to the affected population.

Long-Term Support: India’s Role in Myanmar’s Rebuilding

India’s response to the earthquake has been instrumental in providing immediate relief, and the country is committed to supporting Myanmar’s long-term recovery efforts. The Indian Navy’s INS Ghadiyal has already set sail from Visakhapatnam port, carrying 440 tons of relief material, which will significantly aid in recovery operations.

India’s involvement in Myanmar’s recovery is not only about delivering aid but also about strengthening bilateral ties. Myanmar’s devastation has once again underscored the close relationship between India and Myanmar. India’s swift and effective response has earned it international recognition, with global outlets like The New York Times highlighting India’s efforts as an exemplary display of humanitarian aid.

NDRF’s Role in Search and Rescue Operations

The NDRF teams have been working relentlessly to carry out rescue operations despite the challenges posed by collapsed buildings and debris. The teams have already recovered 16 bodies from the rubble in Mandalay and are continuing their search for survivors. The NDRF is working in coordination with local fire services in Myanmar to focus on areas where people have been reported missing due to the collapse of buildings.

The ongoing search and rescue efforts are being carried out under the ‘Sector D’ disaster response plan in Mandalay, where teams are focusing on 13 collapsed buildings. Despite the obstacles, NDRF officials remain hopeful of finding more survivors, drawing inspiration from past rescue operations, like the 2023 Turkey earthquake, where a survivor was rescued on the 17th day of the operation.

The earthquake in Myanmar has created a devastating crisis, and while India’s response has been commendable, the path to recovery is long. The immediate relief provided by India, alongside the ongoing rescue operations, is just the first step. Myanmar will need continued international support to rebuild and recover from this tragedy. The depth of India-Myanmar relations, bolstered by humanitarian aid, is likely to remain a cornerstone of bilateral ties, with both countries committed to supporting each other through this crisis.

India’s commitment to Myanmar’s recovery highlights the importance of international solidarity and the role that countries can play in providing immediate assistance during times of crisis. As recovery efforts continue, it is clear that India’s contributions will play a critical role in Myanmar’s long-term rebuilding process.