Bangkok (April 4): Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured Myanmar of India’s unwavering support as the country grapples with the aftermath of a devastating earthquake that killed over 3,000 people and left thousands more injured and missing. The assurance came during a high-level meeting with Myanmar’s Senior General Min Aung Hlaing on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok on Friday.
“Met Senior General Min Aung Hlaing of Myanmar on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok. Once again expressed condolences on the loss of lives and damage to property in the wake of the recent earthquake. India is doing whatever is possible to assist our sisters and brothers of Myanmar in this critical time,” PM Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter).
This was Modi’s first official interaction with General Min since he seized power in a military coup in February 2021. Despite strained international ties with Myanmar’s junta, the meeting emphasized India’s policy of providing humanitarian aid irrespective of political complexities, particularly within its neighborhood.
Sources confirmed that the Senior General thanked PM Modi for India’s swift relief efforts and expressed appreciation for India’s leadership during the Bhuj earthquake in Gujarat, which served as a global example of disaster management and reconstruction. General Min also acknowledged the deployment of Indian relief forces, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and military field hospitals, especially the one set up in Mandalay—near the epicenter of the March 28 earthquake.
India’s rapid response was carried out under Operation Brahma, an initiative launched to assist Myanmar during its time of crisis. The operation includes not just field hospitals but also essential supplies, personnel, and infrastructure support. A senior Myanmar official has already visited the Indian-run hospital in Mandalay to assess ongoing efforts.
PM Modi and General Min also discussed broader bilateral cooperation, including infrastructure development, connectivity, and capacity-building initiatives. Myanmar is a critical player in the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), which seeks to enhance regional integration and economic collaboration across South and Southeast Asia.
The ongoing crisis in Myanmar has provided an opportunity for deeper engagement between India and its neighbor, especially in the humanitarian domain. While China has publicly quantified its aid contributions to Myanmar, India has taken a more reserved approach, stating that humanitarian assistance should not be measured in financial terms but in solidarity and compassion.
The 35-minute meeting concluded with both leaders expressing intent to strengthen ties, particularly in rebuilding efforts and long-term regional cooperation. Senior General Min also attended the BIMSTEC official dinner alongside leaders from Thailand, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and India.
Disaster management was a key agenda at the BIMSTEC ministerial meetings, underscoring the importance of regional collaboration in the face of increasing natural calamities. India’s swift action and diplomatic outreach are being viewed as a significant step in reinforcing its role as a reliable partner in South Asia, especially in times of humanitarian need.
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