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New Delhi : In a display of solidarity and swift action, India has taken the lead in providing relief to Myanmar, which was ravaged by Cyclone Mocha, a powerful category 5 cyclone, on May 14. The devastating cyclone has claimed over 100 lives, marking one of the strongest storms to hit Myanmar in a decade. India’s immediate response came in the form of ‘Operation Karuna,’ a humanitarian mission aimed at assisting the affected people in Myanmar.

Under Operation Karuna, three Indian naval ships, namely INS Shivalik, INS Kamorta, and INS Savitri, have arrived in Yangon, the largest city in Myanmar, carrying over 40 tonnes of relief material. These supplies include emergency food items, tents, essential medicines, water pumps, portable generators, clothing, and sanitary and hygiene items. Indian Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar, expressed the nation’s commitment by tweeting, “India continues to be the first responder in the region.”

Additionally, a fourth vessel, INS Gharial, is scheduled to arrive in Yangon, specifically carrying medical relief material. The Indian Embassy in Myanmar confirmed this development through a tweet, stating, “The fourth ship INS Gharial will bring more HADR materials, including emergency medicines and medical kits on May 19. All materials will be promptly distributed among the affected communities in the Rakhine state.”

During a ceremony on Thursday, the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) material that arrived in Yangon was handed over to the Yangon Region Chief Minister by Vinay Kumar, the Indian Ambassador to Myanmar.

India’s proactive efforts in Myanmar serve as a testament to its unwavering commitment to its neighboring countries and the wider region. Once again, India has demonstrated its readiness to be the first to respond to any disasters that befall its regional partners, showcasing its dedication to fostering stronger bonds and providing timely assistance in times of crisis.