NEW DELHI: In a significant diplomatic gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a hand of friendship to Myanmar’s military junta govt by dispatching an 80-member team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) for search-and-rescue operations in the earthquake-affected regions of the neighbouring country.
Code named ‘Operation Brahma’, India on Saturday dispatched the NDRF contingent to Nay Pyi Taw for rescue work in quake-hit region of Myanmar where more than 1,600 are feared dead and over 2,000 injured or missing. The team is self-contained and expert in heavy urban search and rescue operations. New Delhi has also dispatched equipment and tools airlifted in two sorties for rescue and relief work.
Highlighting India’s active role as a “first responder” during national disasters and natural calamities in other countries, the external affairs ministry spokesperson announced Delhi has dispatched two naval ships to Myanmar. Additionally, a field hospital with 118 personnel is scheduled to depart from Agra later on Saturday, the spokesperson added.
India’s ambassador in Myanmar is in the capital Nay Pyi Taw to coordinate the relief efforts, he said, adding that no casualty has been reported so far among the Indian community in Myanmar. Soon after the NDRF team left for Myanmar, PM Modi spoke with senior general Min Aung Hlaing expressing his concern over the tragedy and “reaffirming India’s steadfast commitment as a close friend and neighbour.” Minister of external affairs S Jaishankar too declared India’s support in a post on X.