India has shipped 442 tonnes of relief food to Myanmar following a devastating earthquake that hit the nation last month, leaving widespread devastation and displacing thousands.

The relief material, dispatched under India's 'Operation Karuna', demonstrates the country's resolve in assisting neighbours in distress. The relief shipment consists of basic foodgrains like rice, lentils, sugar, salt, edible oil, and other daily essentials aimed at easing the distress of the affected masses in Myanmar's Chin State and Sagaing Region, two of the worst-affected regions.

The aid was transported via the Sittwe port in Myanmar, under the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project, showing the value of bilateral infrastructure ventures amid crises. The Indian Embassy in Yangon confirmed that the relief package was successfully delivered to Myanmar's Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement.

A deadly earthquake measuring over 6.0 on the Richter scale hit parts of western Myanmar in March 2025, resulting in heavy loss of life and extensive damage to homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods. India, with its quick response, activated its tool of humanitarian support to provide essential resources to its neighbor under the 'Neighbourhood First' policy.

"The people of India stand in solidarity with the people of Myanmar at this difficult hour," read an official statement from the Ministry of External Affairs. "India remains committed to providing all possible assistance on the basis of the needs and priorities of the government and people of Myanmar."

India's early assistance not only addresses the immediate requirements of the affected populations but also emphasizes the historic diplomatic and cultural ties between the two nations. The initiative also reaffirms India's image as a regional first responder to natural calamity.

International observers have welcomed India's role in disaster relief as a responsible and responsive neighbor in Southeast Asia. The move is expected to boost regional cooperation and humanitarian diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific region.