NEW DELHI: In the wake of the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28, the Indian Army has intensified its humanitarian assistance through Operation BRAHMA.
#FLASH: Operation BRAHMA: @adgpi ramps up #HumanitarianEfforts in #Myanmar
A convoy with 110 personnel, medical equipment & relief supplies is en route to #Mandalay. @MEAIndia & #NDRF coordinating with #MyanmarArmy & Lt Gen Myo Moe Aung.
Reports @Nihal_kumar0045… pic.twitter.com/XSr0dEG6xH
— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) March 31, 2025
This initiative, coordinated with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), aims to provide critical support to the affected regions, particularly Mandalay, which has suffered extensive damage.
Deployment and Logistics
As of 8:00 AM Myanmar Standard Time (MST), a convoy comprising 110 personnel from the Indian Army’s Field Hospital and 13 members from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) commenced movement towards Mandalay.
The convoy is transporting essential medical equipment and supplies using 15 military trucks provided by the Myanmar Army, supplemented by three buses and seven vehicles from the NDRF and Indian contingent. Escorted by Myanmar Army vehicles, the convoy is anticipated to reach Mandalay by 2:00 PM MST.
Coordination with Myanmar Authorities
Prior to this movement, a team including 10 Indian Army Field Hospital personnel, NDRF members, the Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM), and the Defence Attaché (DA) arrived in Mandalay via Myanmar Air Force aircraft.
They engaged in detailed discussions with Myanmar authorities, notably the Chief Minister of Mandalay Division and Lieutenant General Myo Moe Aung, who is leading the coordination of humanitarian efforts.
Medical Facilities Setup
The Indian Army’s Field Hospital has been allocated space at the Old Mandalay Airfield, which houses a non-operational 200-bed hospital infrastructure.
Efforts are underway to operationalize this facility to provide medical care to affected civilians, addressing the urgent need for trauma care and emergency medical services in the aftermath of the earthquake.
Background on Operation BRAHMA
Operation BRAHMA was initiated by the Indian government in response to the catastrophic earthquake that has resulted in over 1,600 fatalities and thousands of injuries in Myanmar.
The operation encompasses the deployment of specialized medical task forces, dispatch of naval ships carrying relief materials, and establishment of field hospitals to deliver immediate medical assistance to the injured. This swift response underscores India’s commitment to regional humanitarian aid and its role as a first responder in times of crisis.
