Operation Brahma: Indian Navy Dispatches More Relief Ships to Earthquake-Hit Myanmar

INS Karmuk and LCU 52 carry 30 tonnes of aid to Yangon as part of India’s ongoing humanitarian mission following Myanmar’s worst quake in a century.

New Delhi, March 30: In a strong show of support for earthquake-ravaged Myanmar, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Sunday announced that Indian Navy ships INS Karmuk and LCU 52 have departed for Yangon, carrying 30 tonnes of disaster relief and medical supplies. This forms the latest wave of India’s ongoing humanitarian campaign ‘Operation Brahma’.

Taking to social media platform X, Jaishankar wrote,
“Operation Brahma continues. Indian Navy ships INS Karmuk and LCU 52 are headed for Yangon with 30 tonnes of disaster relief and medical supplies.”

The operation was launched in response to a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar and parts of Thailand on Friday, leaving over 1,700 dead, 3,400 injured, and hundreds missing. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) estimates the final death toll could cross 10,000, making it Myanmar’s deadliest quake in over a century.

Earlier, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed that INS Satpura and INS Savitri from the Eastern Naval Command had also sailed to Yangon on Saturday, loaded with 52 tonnes of humanitarian supplies including clothing, clean water, food, medicines, and emergency equipment.

India’s Coordinated Relief Push

The relief mission is being coordinated by the Ministry of External Affairs, in collaboration with the Indian Army, Air Force, Integrated Defence Staff, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). The efforts reinforce India’s commitment as the ‘First Responder’ in the region during humanitarian crises.

As per the MoD, the ships carry Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) kits specifically designed to support civilians and emergency responders in the worst-hit regions of Sagaing, Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw, and Bago.

Grim Ground Reality in Myanmar

While India mobilises aid, rescue operations in Myanmar continue with urgency. Hospitals are overwhelmed, buildings have collapsed, and communication lines are disrupted, especially in central and northern Myanmar.

This earthquake compounds the humanitarian challenges in a country already destabilised by civil conflict and fragile healthcare systems. The arrival of aid from India — including medical tents, trauma kits, and field hospitals — is expected to offer critical support to emergency responders on the ground.

With Operation Brahma gaining momentum, India has once again stepped up to play a pivotal role in regional crisis response, offering not just relief materials, but hope.