India Launches "Operation Sadbhav" to Aid Typhoon-Yagi-Hit Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar

India has launched "Operation Sadbhav" to provide urgent humanitarian relief to Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar following the devastation caused by Typhoon Yagi, Asia's most powerful storm this year. The typhoon, which made landfall over a week ago, has led to massive flooding and significant loss of life, with more than 170 fatalities reported in Vietnam and around 40 in Myanmar.

In response, India has dispatched a substantial amount of aid, demonstrating its commitment to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief within the ASEAN region, in line with its "Act East Policy."

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced that 10 tonnes of aid, including dry rations, clothing, and medicines, were sent to Myanmar aboard the Indian naval ship INS Satpura. For Laos, a C-17 military transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force carried 10 tonnes of relief materials, while 35 tonnes of aid were sent to Vietnam.

"India launches #OperationSadbhav. Demonstrating our solidarity with the people affected by Typhoon Yagi, India is dispatching aid to Myanmar, Vietnam, and Laos," Jaishankar stated on X. He elaborated that the aid included "water purification items, water containers, blankets, kitchen utensils, solar lanterns for Vietnam" and "genset, water purification items, hygiene supplies, mosquito nets, blankets, and sleeping bags for Laos."

The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted that the operation aligns with India's ongoing efforts to support the ASEAN region in times of crisis. It emphasized the close ties between India and Vietnam, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Foreign Minister Jaishankar extending their sympathies to Vietnamese leaders.

The Indian Navy has also mobilized rapidly for HADR operations in Myanmar, loading critical supplies such as drinking water, rations, and medicines onto a naval warship for deployment in Yangon.

The flood and landslide aftermath in Laos has impacted around 40,000 people, with India sending essential supplies, including hygiene kits and water purifiers, to assist the affected communities.

This swift and coordinated response underscores India's readiness to support its neighbors during humanitarian crises and reinforces its role as a key partner in regional disaster relief efforts.