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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 31st March 2025

Home / UPSC / Current Affairs / Operation Brahma – India’s HADR Outreach to Myanmar & Thailand

Operation Brahma – India’s HADR Outreach to Myanmar & Thailand

Why in News?

  • Operation Brahma was launched by the Government of India following a devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar and Thailand on March 28, 2025.
  • It is a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission led by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
  • The operation is being coordinated with the Integrated Defence Staff, Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).
Operation Brahma – India’s HADR Outreach to Myanmar & Thailand

Naval Contribution

  • The Indian Navy deployed INS Satpura and INS Savitri from the Eastern Naval Command, which sailed to Yangon on March 29, 2025.
  • Additional support was mobilized from the Andaman and Nicobar Command with INS Karmuk and LCU 52, sailing on March 30, 2025.
  • These ships carried approximately 52 tons of relief supplies, including:
    • Ready-to-eat food and drinking water
    • Essential medicines and emergency medical kits
    • Clothing, temporary shelter materials, and HADR pallets

India’s Track Record in HADR Missions

  • In 2023, India launched Operation Dost to provide earthquake relief to Türkiye and Syria, deploying NDRF teams, field hospitals, and tonnes of aid.
  • During the 2018 tsunami and earthquake in Indonesia, India launched Operation Samudra Maitri, sending naval and air relief teams.
  • Operation Vanilla in 2020 helped cyclone-hit Madagascar, showcasing India’s maritime responsiveness.
  • Operation Sahayata in 2019 extended aid to Mozambique after Cyclone Idai.
  • Domestically, Operation Madad supported rescue efforts during the 2018 Kerala floods.
  • In 2015, Operation Rahat successfully evacuated Indian and foreign nationals from war-torn Yemen.

Operational and Policy Challenges

  • Coordinating real-time deployment of military and civilian assets across agencies remains complex.
  • Securing diplomatic clearances and logistical access in foreign territory requires strong bilateral trust.
  • Ensuring continuity of aid beyond the immediate emergency phase needs financial and human resource commitment.
  • Balancing international relief duties with preparedness for domestic disasters is a growing concern.

Role of Armed Forces:

  • Rapid Response & Capability:
    • The Indian Armed Forces, including the Navy, Army, and Air Force, have a proven track record of executing swift disaster relief operations both domestically and abroad (e.g., Operation Dost, Operation Samudra Maitri).
    • Their logistical, medical, and operational capabilities ensure rapid deployment and efficient relief delivery in crises.
  • Inter-Agency Coordination:
    • The military works closely with agencies like the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and civil authorities to integrate humanitarian assistance into broader emergency management plans.
    • This synergy helps maintain operational readiness while ensuring that relief efforts are comprehensive and well-coordinated.
  • Soft Power Projection:
    • Through humanitarian missions, the armed forces not only save lives but also project India’s image as a capable, compassionate, and responsible power in the region.

India’s Foreign Policy & Regional Diplomacy:

  • Neighborhood First & Act East Policy:
    • India’s foreign policy prioritizes close ties with neighboring countries, emphasizing mutual security, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange.
    • Initiatives like the “Neighborhood First” policy and the “Act East” strategy aim to deepen engagement with South, Southeast, and East Asia.
  • Humanitarian Assistance as a Diplomatic Tool:
    • Providing timely humanitarian assistance during crises (e.g., Operation Brahma, Operation Rahat) enhances diplomatic relations and builds goodwill among regional partners.
    • Such actions underscore India’s commitment to helping neighboring nations in times of distress, reinforcing its leadership in regional stability.
  • Non-Coercive Diplomacy:
    • India advocates for a diplomatic approach that relies on dialogue, mutual respect, and collaborative problem-solving rather than coercion.
    • This approach is reflected in its balanced responses to regional challenges, supporting peace and stability through partnership rather than force.

Commitment to Humanitarian Values, Global Citizenship & Non-Coercive Diplomacy:

  • Humanitarian Values:
    • India’s rapid response in disaster relief operations, both at home and abroad, demonstrates a strong commitment to saving lives and alleviating human suffering.
    • Such efforts reflect core humanitarian values including empathy, solidarity, and a commitment to the well-being of all.
  • Global Citizenship:
    • By participating in international humanitarian missions and multilateral initiatives, India embraces its role as a responsible global actor.
    • This involves contributing to global challenges such as disaster relief, climate change adaptation, and sustainable development.
  • Non-Coercive Diplomacy:
    • India’s strategy focuses on winning hearts and minds through humanitarian outreach rather than military coercion.
    • This approach enhances India’s international standing and builds partnerships based on trust, respect, and shared interests.

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