Operation Brahma

Operation Brahma is an ongoing disaster relief and rescue operation undertaken by the Indian government in response to the 2025 Myanmar earthquake. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced that India initiated the operation on 28 March 2025 led by the Indian Army. As part of the operation, a specialised medical task force was deployed to deliver urgent medical care, including emergency treatments, trauma management, and surgical interventions for those in need.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep concern over the earthquake. In a post on X, he conveyed condolences to Myanmar's junta chief, Min Aung Hlaing, stating "As a close friend and neighbour, India stands in solidarity with the people of Myanmar in this difficult hour."
The mission has been named Operation Brahma, after the Hindu God of creation, symbolising India's efforts to assist in the rebuilding of Myanmar following the devastating earthquake. The name reflects the nation's commitment to providing immediate relief and supporting long-term recovery and reconstruction in the affected regions.
On 28 March 2025, a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar at 12:50 pm local time, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The quake, originating from the right-lateral Sagaing Fault, was followed by a 6.4-magnitude aftershock, further impacting the region. The death toll has risen to over 1,600, with thousands injured and many still missing. The tremors were felt as far as Bangkok, Thailand, leading to building collapses and casualties there as well.
This humanitarian assistance underscored India's commitment to its Neighbourhood First policy and reflected the enduring Indian ethos of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'—the world is one family. The operation's primary objective is to provide immediate humanitarian assistance, including search and rescue efforts, medical aid, and support to affected populations in the aftermath of a seismic event. The name "Operation Brahma" reflects India's preparedness and response capabilities to large-scale disasters, underscoring the nation's commitment to providing swift assistance in times of crisis. The overall aim is to alleviate suffering and support recovery efforts in the aftermath of a catastrophic event. It demonstrated India's commitment to supporting neighboring countries in times of crisis.
It follows a similar framework to other well-known Indian disaster response initiatives, such as Operation Rahat (2013 North India floods), Operation Maitri (2015 Nepal earthquake) and most recently Operation Dost (2023 Turkey–Syria earthquakes).
The deployment is closely coordinated with the Ministry of External Affairs and in partnership with Myanmar’s authorities, ensuring a swift and efficient response to the humanitarian emergency.
A 118-member team from the elite Shatrujeet Brigade Medical Responders, led by Lieutenant Colonel Jagneet Gill, was deployed to Myanmar, accompanied by essential medical equipment and supplies. The Airborne Angels Task Force, specially trained and equipped to provide advanced medical and surgical care in disaster-affected zones were part of the critical response.
As part of Operation Brahma, the Indian Army established a 60-bed Medical Treatment Centre to provide immediate care to those injured in the earthquake. The facility was equipped to handle trauma cases, perform emergency surgeries, and deliver essential medical services, thereby supporting Myanmar's local healthcare system, which had been severely overwhelmed by the disaster.
India sent approximately 15 tons of relief material to Yangon via a C-130J military transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF). The cargo included essential supplies tents, sleeping bags, blankets, ready-to-eat meals, water purifiers, solar lamps, generator sets, and essential medicines. These items were crucial for providing immediate relief to those affected by the earthquake, supporting both the basic needs and the healthcare requirements of the displaced population. An 80-member National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) search and rescue team was also departed for Myanmar's capital, Nay Pyi Taw, to aid in relief efforts.
India also dispatched two naval ships to Myanmar as part of its ongoing relief efforts. Additionally, a field hospital was slated to be airlifted to provide further medical assistance and support to the affected regions.
The Indian Navy also dispatched four naval ships for relief operations. While INS Satpura and INS Savitri under the Eastern Naval Command sailed from Visakhapatnam on 29 March, INS Karmuk and IN LCU 52 under the Andaman and Nicobar Command sailed from Port Blair on 30 March. The ships combined embarked 52 Tons of relief materials including "HADR pallets consisting of essential clothing, drinking water, food, medicines, and emergency stores".
The first two Navy ships INS Satpura and INS Savitri arrived at Yangon with 40 tons of relief materials on 31 March. The next day, IN LCU 52 and INS Karmuk with 30 tons of relief materials reached Yangon. A total of five Navy ships and six Air Force aircraft have been dispatched to Yangon, Naypyitaw and Mandalay in Myanmar. The fifth ship was INS Gharial, sailed out of Visakhapatnam harbour on 1 April with 440 tonnes of rice, edible oil and medicines and will reach Yangon by 6 April. Additionally, the Indian Army also established a 200-bed field hospital the same day. The hospital, set up by Shatrujeet Brigade Medical Responders, was airlifter to Myanmar by two Boeing C-17 Globemaster III of the Indian Air Force