Bharat’s As World’s First Responder: A New Chapter In Humanitarian Diplomacy

This philosophy extends beyond disaster relief; be it building roads, schools and a Parliament in Afghanistan, rolling out medical assistance and food security programs in Africa or providing financial aid and infrastructure projects to Sri Lanka

In times of crisis, the true measure of a nation’s global standing is not just in its economic power or military might, but in its ability to provide timely assistance to those in need. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bharat has increasingly embodied this principle, evolving into the world’s first responder during natural disasters. Whether it was Operation Maitri in Nepal (2015), Operation Dost in Turkey (2023), or the latest Operation Brahma in Myanmar (2025), New Delhi has consistently demonstrated its commitment to humanitarian aid—often before international organisations like the United Nations finalize their response plans.

The Myanmar earthquake response: A testament to Bharat’s efficiency

The devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar and Thailand last week was yet another test of Bharat's global disaster response. Within 24 hours, New Delhi dispatched its first relief aircraft, carrying 15 tons of humanitarian aid to Yangon-formerly known as Rangoon, which is the largest city in Myanmar. The aid included emergency shelter, food and water, medical supplies, and power and communication support, all essential for restoring day-to-day life. Additionally, New Delhi deployed two C-130J aircraft carrying 80 NDRF search-and-rescue experts, followed by four naval ships with another 40 tons of aid. Bharat had already set up a field hospital in Naypyidaw, the modern capital of Myanmar, with 118 medical personnel, reinforcing its reputation as a rapid-action humanitarian leader.

A Pattern of Swift, Unconditional Support

New Delhi’s response to Myanmar is not an isolated event. It is part of a broader policy shift since 2014, in which the Modi Government has proactively engaged in disaster response diplomacy. Some key examples include:

Maldives Water Crisis (2014): Under Operation Neer, over 200 tons of drinking water were airlifted within 12 hours after the capital Malé’s desalination plant broke down. The mission was further supported by dispatching naval ships with water purification capabilities.

Nepal Earthquake (2015) – Operation Maitri- a rescue mission was launched within six hours after a powerful earthquake hit Nepal; the Indian Air Force, Army, and NDRF teams, along with medical teams and engineers carrying 700 tons of relief materials, were deployed in Nepal.

Cyclone Idai in Mozambique (2019): In 2019, nearly 1.85 million people of Mozambique needed humanitarian assistance and protection due to Cyclone Idai and subsequent flooding brought in destruction and damage. New Delhi diverted three naval ships loaded with relief materials and medical teams assisted Mozambique, which showcased Bharat's global footprint beyond South Asia.

Turkey-Syria Earthquake (2023) – Bharat played out a geopolitical masterstroke: when it set aside Turkey's tilt towards Pakistan on Kashmir and launched Operation Dost to provide necessary support in terms of search and rescue (SAR) efforts as well as medical assistance. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan publicly thanked Bharat for its humanitarian commitment.

With seven major international disaster relief operations since 2014, Bharat's humanitarian response has grown faster, more efficient, and more strategic.

Beyond Aid: A strategy of people-centric diplomacy

Unlike Western nations, which often route aid through NGO-controlled programs that frequently suffer from inefficiency or political misuse, Bharat follows a people-first approach. Its humanitarian assistance is designed to directly benefit local populations, rather than just serve diplomatic or strategic interests.

This philosophy extends beyond disaster relief; be it building roads, schools and a Parliament in Afghanistan, rolling out medical assistance and food security programs in Africa or providing financial aid and infrastructure projects to Sri Lanka, Bharat has worked towards offering solutions that are curated to meet local population needs, thereby ensuring long-term impact.

Thus, Bharat has emerged as a trusted partner with global outreach delivering meaningful, impactful solutions—whether in crises or development aid.

Soft Power Reinvented: From Bollywood to Bharat’s Traditional Wisdom

For decades, Bharat's global footprint was synonymous with Bollywood and Indian cuisine. However, under Modi, the country has redefined its soft diplomacy by offering unrestricted access to the ancient knowledge of yoga and Ayurveda. Rolling out Vaccine Diplomacy, during COVID-19, to over 100 nations, without bias to those nations that needed it the most. This was Bharat’s way of reintroducing the Sanskrit philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam World is One Family-to bring people of the world together.

Bharat’s Global Humanitarian Leadership

As the world braces for increasing climate disasters, pandemics, and humanitarian crises, Bharat has emerged as a reliable, capable, and proactive global first responder. The Myanmar earthquake response is just the latest example of New Delhi’s ability to act decisively, deliver swiftly, and build long-term partnerships.

As the 6th BIMSTEC Summit (April 2025) in Bangkok approaches, Bharat's role in global stability and humanitarian leadership will likely be a focal point. And if the past decade is any indication, Bharat will continue to prove that being the first responder is not just about strategy—it’s about responsibility.

(The author is Founder of My Startup TV)