• India has launched 'Operation Sadbhav' to provide aid to Typhoon Yagi-hit Southeast Asian nations - Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam.
• The aid, totaling 55 tonnes, includes essential items like dry ration, clothing, medicines, and water purification items.
• The Indian naval ship INS Satpura and a C-130J military transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force were deployed to deliver the aid.
• Operation.
• Sadbhav highlights India's commitment to humanitarian principles and its readiness to assist its neighbors in times of need.

In a display of solidarity and humanitarian assistance, India has initiated 'Operation Sadbhav', a mission aimed at providing aid to three Southeast Asian nations - Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam. These countries have recently been ravaged by Typhoon Yagi, one of the most powerful storms to hit Asia this year. The operation was announced by India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, who confirmed the dispatch of aid materials to these nations.

The typhoon, originating from the South China Sea, made landfall over a week ago, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. Reports suggest that the storm claimed more than 170 lives in Vietnam and around 40 in Myanmar, leaving these nations in dire need of assistance.

In response to this crisis, India has stepped up, demonstrating its commitment to its Southeast Asian neighbors. The aid, totaling 55 tonnes, includes a variety of essential items such as dry ration, clothing, medicines, water purification items, water containers, blankets, kitchen utensils, solar lanterns, gensets, hygiene supplies, mosquito nets, and sleeping bags.

India's Aid Delivery: Naval and Air Force Operations

The Indian naval ship INS Satpura was deployed to Myanmar, carrying 10 tonnes of aid. This included dry ration, clothing, and medicines. Simultaneously, a C-130J military transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force was tasked with delivering 35 tonnes of aid to Vietnam and 10 tonnes of relief materials to Laos. The aid for Vietnam comprised water purification items, water containers, blankets, kitchen utensils, and solar lanterns, while the aid for Laos included gensets, water purification items, hygiene supplies, mosquito nets, blankets, and sleeping bags.

The Indian Navy, in a statement, confirmed that it had begun rapid preparations to deploy humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations in response to the devastating flash floods in Myanmar. The Eastern Naval Command, in coordination with the Eastern Fleet and other supporting units, successfully completed the overnight loading of HADR pallets, including drinking water, rations, and medicines onto an Indian naval warship. This ship, originating from Visakhapatnam, was destined for operations in Yangon.

Navy spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal highlighted the Navy's swift response to the crisis, stating, This rapid mobilization comes despite the short notice, showcasing the Navy's ability to swiftly respond to humanitarian crises in the region.

India's History of Humanitarian Assistance

India's response to this disaster is not an isolated incident. The country has a history of extending help to its neighbors in times of crisis. For instance, in 2015, India launched Operation Maitri to provide assistance to Nepal following a devastating earthquake. Similarly, in 2004, India was quick to respond with aid and assistance to several countries affected by the Indian Ocean tsunami.

Operation Sadbhav is a testament to India's commitment to its humanitarian principles and its readiness to assist its neighbors in times of need. It also underscores the country's ability to mobilize resources swiftly and effectively in response to regional crises. As the Southeast Asian nations grapple with the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi, India's aid is expected to provide some relief and support in their recovery efforts.