Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 5: Continuing its steadfast commitment to supporting Myanmar in the wake of the recent devastating earthquake, India has dispatched an additional substantial consignment of humanitarian aid. On Saturday, 442 tonnes of essential food supplies arrived at Myanmar's Thilawa port aboard the Indian Navy Ship Gharial, marking the latest delivery under the ongoing 'Operation Brahma'.
The significant aid package, comprising rice, cooking oil, noodles, and biscuits, was formally handed over by the Indian Ambassador to Myanmar, Abhay Thakur, to the Chief Minister of Yangon, U Soe Thein, and his delegation. The Embassy of India in Yangon conveyed this development via a post on X, stating, "Meeting the needs of affected people. A large 442 tonne consignment of food aid (rice, cooking oil, noodles & biscuits) carried by Indian Navy landing ship tank INS Gharial arrived today at Thilawa Port and was handed over by Ambassador Abhay Thakur to CM Yangon U Soe Thein and team."
'Operation Brahma' was swiftly initiated by India following the powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28th. This comprehensive operation aims to provide crucial support encompassing Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and medical assistance to the affected nation.
Embodying its role as a proactive 'First Responder' within its neighborhood during times of crisis, India had already dispatched six aircraft and five naval vessels by April 1st, delivering a total of 625 metric tonnes of vital Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) materials.
Further underscoring India's commitment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in discussions with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Administration Council and Prime Minister of Myanmar, on Friday during the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok. Their dialogue centered on the post-earthquake situation and India's ongoing relief efforts under 'Operation Brahma'. The Senior General expressed his sincere gratitude for India's prompt and continued assistance. Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India's solidarity with Myanmar during this challenging period, reiterating its readiness to deploy further material assistance and resources as needed.
During their meeting, Prime Minister Modi also emphasized the importance of an early return to a democratic process through inclusive and credible elections. He conveyed India's support for initiatives aimed at fostering trust and facilitating a Myanmar-led transition towards a peaceful, stable, and democratic future.
The two leaders also reviewed the progress of ongoing India-supported infrastructure development projects within Myanmar. Prime Minister Modi stressed India’s unwavering commitment to supporting the developmental needs of all communities across Myanmar.