India sends 40 tonnes of relief material to Jamaica, Cuba after hurricane Melissa

India on Tuesday dispatched 40 tonnes of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) material to Jamaica and Cuba in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, reaffirming New Delhi’s commitment to stand by its Global South partners in times of crisis.

An Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft carrying 20 tonnes each of relief supplies for the two Caribbean nations took off from New Delhi this morning.

The consignment includes Aarogya Maitri BHISHM Cube field hospitals, food and daily utility items, medicines, medical equipment, power generators, shelter material, hygiene kits, and rehabilitation support items.

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said India remains steadfast in extending timely assistance to friendly countries hit by natural disasters. “India stands with our Global South partners in the face of such natural disasters and will assist our friends in recovery and reconstruction,” he said in a post on X.

Officials said the assistance is part of India’s expanding humanitarian outreach under the Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam ethos, and builds on the government’s ongoing efforts to provide quick relief to countries affected by climate-induced calamities.

Hurricane Melissa, a powerful tropical storm that recently swept across parts of the Caribbean, caused widespread damage to infrastructure and disrupted essential services in several island nations, including Jamaica and Cuba.

The storm has so far claimed around 50 lives.