Guwahati, April 6: In a powerful show of regional solidarity and humanitarian leadership, the Indian Army has accelerated relief operations in earthquake-hit Myanmar under Operation Brahma. A team of Strike One Sappers from the Indian Army Engineering Corps arrived on Sunday in the disaster-affected Mandalay region, along with the third tranche of critical medical equipment.
The engineering team, equipped for rapid response and reconstruction, is set to conduct detailed ground assessments of key infrastructure damaged by the March 28 earthquake. These efforts aim to expedite the rebuilding of essential services such as hospitals, schools, and transport networks in some of the worst-hit zones.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Armed Forces, and India’s Ambassador to Myanmar, Abhay Thakur, met with the Indian team to review the ongoing relief work and discuss strategic priorities. According to defence sources, both sides acknowledged the vital importance of sustained collaboration to ensure effective long-term recovery.
India launched Operation Brahma within hours of the quake, mobilising a comprehensive relief package that includes search and rescue teams, humanitarian supplies, medical aid, and technical assistance for rebuilding efforts. A 60-bed field hospital, fully equipped and staffed with Army medical professionals, is now operational on the ground, providing emergency care to hundreds of injured civilians.
“India’s support has been timely and deeply appreciated,” said a Myanmar official present during the joint visit. “Their presence has not only saved lives but restored hope,” he added.
The Strike One Sappers are known for their swift engineering response in crisis situations. In Myanmar, they are expected to focus on restoring connectivity to remote villages, rebuilding water and sanitation systems, and helping assess structural damage to critical government buildings and public utilities.
The Indian Army’s rapid deployment reflects New Delhi’s commitment to its “Neighbourhood First” policy, reinforcing its role as a first responder in the region. This operation follows India’s growing track record of humanitarian missions in Asia, from earthquake-hit Nepal to cyclone relief in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
Sources from the Defence Ministry stated that the Indian presence in Myanmar will remain active as long as required, with additional resources and personnel on standby for deployment.
Operation Brahma not only highlights India’s disaster-response capability but also strengthens bilateral ties through empathy and action. As Myanmar struggles to recover from one of its deadliest natural disasters in recent memory, India’s boots on the ground offer more than aid—they offer assurance.
