In a significant gesture of humanitarian assistance, India has launched “Operation Sadbhav” to support Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar in the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi, one of Asia’s most powerful storms this year.
The typhoon has devastated various regions in the three countries, leaving behind widespread destruction and displacing thousands of people.
India’s swift response underscores its commitment to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) efforts, especially within the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region, aligning with the nation’s “Act East Policy.”
Operation Sadbhav: India’s Aid to Typhoon Yagi Victims
Typhoon Yagi, originating from the South China Sea, made landfall over a week ago and wreaked havoc across Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar. The storm has claimed more than 170 lives in Vietnam and over 40 in Myanmar, while severe flooding and landslides have affected thousands more, leaving entire communities reeling.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, India launched “Operation Sadbhav” to deliver urgent humanitarian relief to these countries.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that India has dispatched aid worth USD 10,00,000 to Vietnam and USD 1,00,000 to Laos. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar took to social media to announce the operation, stating, “India launches #OperationSadbhav. Demonstrating our solidarity with the people affected by Typhoon Yagi, India is dispatching aid to Myanmar, Vietnam, and Laos.”
Under Operation Sadbhav, India is sending a range of relief materials, including dry rations, clothing, medicines, and emergency supplies such as water purification systems, mosquito nets, and blankets. Indian naval and air forces are at the forefront of these efforts, ensuring that relief reaches the affected regions swiftly.
Aid to Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar: Swift Response by India
India’s relief operation is a testament to the nation’s ability to respond promptly to humanitarian crises. In Vietnam, where Typhoon Yagi has caused the most severe damage, India has airlifted 35 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including water purification items, water containers, blankets, kitchen utensils, and solar lanterns.
The consignment was dispatched via a special aircraft and is aimed at providing relief to the affected communities in northern Vietnam, where the storm’s impact has been most devastating.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his sympathies to his Vietnamese counterpart, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, soon after the typhoon struck.
The MEA stated that the relief effort highlights the close and enduring ties between India and Vietnam, which are underpinned by a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Foreign Minister Jaishankar echoed these sentiments by extending sympathies to Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son.
In Laos, where the storm has displaced around 40,000 people, India has sent 10 tonnes of humanitarian relief supplies.
This aid includes hygiene kits, mosquito repellents, sleeping bags, gensets (portable generators), and water purification tablets. A special aircraft was deployed to deliver the supplies, underscoring India’s commitment to helping Laos recover from the devastating floods and landslides that have ravaged the country.
Myanmar, also severely affected by Typhoon Yagi, has been receiving aid from India through the naval vessel INS Satpura.
The ship has transported 10 tonnes of relief materials, including dry rations, clothing, and medicines, to Myanmar. The Indian Navy has played a pivotal role in ensuring the timely delivery of aid to Yangon, Myanmar’s most affected region.
“This rapid mobilisation comes despite short notice, showcasing the Navy’s ability to swiftly respond to humanitarian crises in the region,” said Navy spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal.
India’s Commitment to ASEAN and Humanitarian Assistance
India’s efforts under Operation Sadbhav reflect its broader policy of promoting stability and development in the ASEAN region. The country’s “Act East Policy” focuses on deepening relations with Southeast Asian nations, and this relief operation exemplifies India’s commitment to regional cooperation and humanitarian assistance.
The MEA emphasized that the relief provided to Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar aligns with India’s long-standing tradition of supporting its neighbors in times of need.
The operation has not only delivered essential supplies but has also demonstrated India’s readiness and capacity to undertake large-scale humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.
External Affairs Minister Jaishankar highlighted the importance of solidarity during crises, adding that India’s assistance to the affected countries reinforces the spirit of cooperation and mutual support in the region.
He noted that the relief efforts underscore India’s role as a responsible regional power, contributing to disaster response and management within the ASEAN framework.
India’s military and civilian agencies, including the Indian Air Force and Navy, have worked tirelessly to ensure the success of Operation Sadbhav.
The use of military aircraft and naval ships for transporting aid highlights the country’s logistical capabilities and preparedness for HADR operations. The government has indicated that it remains ready to provide further assistance if required.
India’s launch of Operation Sadbhav marks a significant contribution to the relief efforts in Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar, all of which have been severely impacted by Typhoon Yagi.
Through this humanitarian mission, India has demonstrated its ability to respond swiftly and effectively to natural disasters, reinforcing its commitment to ASEAN nations and its broader Act East Policy.
As these countries begin their long recovery process, India’s timely assistance will undoubtedly play a crucial role in alleviating the immediate hardships faced by the affected communities. Operation Sadbhav stands as a symbol of solidarity and friendship between India and its Southeast Asian neighbors, offering hope and support in their time of need.
