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The Indian Air Force (IAF) has played a pivotal role in Operation Brahma, a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) mission launched by India to support Myanmar following a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake on March 28, 2025. This operation reflects India’s commitment to its “Neighbourhood First” policy and its ethos of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family), positioning it as a first responder to regional crises.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The IAF’s response was immediate, with the first C-130J military transport aircraft departing from Hindon Air Force Station at around 3:00 AM IST on March 29, 2025, just a day after the earthquake. This swift action, carrying approximately 15 tonnes of relief materials, reassured the affected population that help was on the way. The aid, which included essential supplies such as tents, sleeping bags, blankets, ready-to-eat meals, water purifiers, solar lamps, generator sets, and medicines, was handed over to Yangon\u2019s Chief Minister, U Soe Thein, by India\u2019s envoy to Myanmar, Abhay Thakur.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Despite the challenges, the IAF escalated its efforts throughout the day, conducting multiple sorties to deliver additional aid and personnel. Two C-130J aircraft landed in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar\u2019s capital, carrying an 80-member National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team with specialised rescue equipment like concrete cutters, drill machines, and trained canines for search-and-rescue operations. These flights also transported further relief supplies, totalling around 10 tonnes on the second aircraft alone. The NDRF team, received by Indian Ambassador Abhay Thakur and Myanmar\u2019s Ambassador-at-Large Maung Maung Lynn, proceeded to Mandalay\u2014the city hardest hit by the quake\u2014on March 30 to begin rescue operations. This team is actively engaged in rescue operations, including efforts to assist approximately 170 monks stranded at the U Hla Thein monastery in Myanmar.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Additionally, two IAF C-17 aircraft were deployed, airlifting a 118-member Indian Army Field Hospital unit from Agra to Mandalay. This team, including women and childcare services, established a 60-bed medical treatment center to provide first aid, emergency medical services, and surgical care to earthquake victims. This significant step reassured the affected population that they were not alone in their time of need. Accompanying this unit were an additional 60 tonnes of relief materials, bringing the total assistance delivered by air to over 96 tonnes within the first 48 hours of the operation. By March 30, 2025, five IAF relief flights had landed in Myanmar, showcasing the force\u2019s rapid response capabilities.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The IAF\u2019s swift, relentless and coordinated effort ensured that critical supplies and personnel reached Myanmar within hours of the disaster, reinforcing India\u2019s role as a regional leader in humanitarian relief. The operation continues to evolve, with more aid planned based on Myanmar\u2019s needs, as confirmed by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who expressed solidarity with Myanmar\u2019s people during a call with junta leader Min Aung Hlaing on March 29. This ongoing commitment gives hope for the recovery and rebuilding of Myanmar.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Please Do Comment.<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n