India sends aid to flood-hit Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar

Following floods and damage caused by Typhoon Yagi in east Asia, India on Sunday announced ‘Operation Sadbhav’ to provide relief in Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar.

The Ministry of External Affairs said the aid to Vietnam was valued at $1 million and to Laos at $1,00,000. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar posted details about the operation on X. “Demonstrating our solidarity with the people affected by Typhoon Yagi, India is dispatching aid to Myanmar, Vietnam and Laos,” he wrote. Ten tonnes of aid, including dry ration, clothing and medicines, left for Myanmar. The Navy Eastern Command despatched warship INS Satpura from Vishakhapatnam to Yangoon.

The MEA said India had been among the first responders in providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) to impacted countries. “Operation Sadbhav is part of India’s broader effort to contribute to HADR within the ASEAN region, in line with its longstanding Act East Policy,” the MEA said.

A consignment of 35 tonnes of humanitarian assistance, including water purification items, water containers, blankets, kitchen utensils and solar lanterns, was airlifted to Vietnam today by a special aircraft, the Indian Air Force C-17 heavy lift plane.