India Launches Operation Sadbhav to Deliver Relief to Typhoon-Stricken Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar
The most powerful storm to hit Asia this year, typhoon Yagi, has caused catastrophic destruction throughout Southeast Asia. India initiated Operation "Sadbhav" to deliver critical aid to typhoon-stricken regions.
India Launches Operation Sadbhav to Deliver Relief to Typhoon-Stricken Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar
India initiated Operation "Sadbhav" on Sunday to deliver critical aid to Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar, countries severely impacted by Typhoon Yagi.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), the Ministry of External Affairs affirmed India’s commitment to supporting the affected nations, noting, “In solidarity with the people affected by Typhoon Yagi, India is dispatching aid to Myanmar, Vietnam, and Laos.”
Typhoon Yagi, the most powerful cyclone to hit Asia this year and the second strongest globally after Hurricane Beryl, left widespread devastation in Southeast Asia. Vietnam bore the worst of the destruction, though countries like the Philippines, China, Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand also experienced significant damage.
As part of its relief mission, India sent 10 tons of supplies—including food, medicines, and clothing—to Myanmar via the Indian naval ship INS Satpura. The Eastern Naval Command, with support from the Eastern Fleet, swiftly organized the loading of humanitarian aid, which included drinking water, rations, and medical supplies, for shipment from Visakhapatnam to Yangon.
“This rapid mobilisation, executed on short notice, demonstrates the Navy’s capability to swiftly address humanitarian crises in the region,” Commander Vivek Madhwal, Navy spokesperson, told PTI.
For Vietnam, 35 tons of aid—including water purification tools, blankets, kitchen supplies, and solar-powered lanterns—was airlifted aboard a C-17 transport plane by the Indian Air Force.
In addition, 10 tons of emergency supplies were flown to Laos, comprising hygiene kits, mosquito nets, sleeping bags, generators, and water purification systems.
The Ministry of External Affairs noted that Operation Sadbhav is part of India’s broader efforts to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) within ASEAN, aligning with the country's "Act East Policy."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his condolences to Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, while External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed his sympathies to Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son.
As of September 7, Typhoon Yagi has claimed at least 292 lives, with 38 people still missing, according to Vietnam's disaster response agency.
