New Delhi, April 05: In the wake of the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar and Thailand on March 28, the governments of India, Australia, Japan, and the United States have pledged over USD 20 million in humanitarian assistance to the affected regions, reaffirming their shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific through coordinated disaster relief efforts.
“India, along with Quad partners US, Japan, and Australia, stands with the people of Myanmar and Thailand in the wake of the March 28 earthquake,” said Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, in a message posted on X. “For Myanmar, alongside our bilateral aid, we’ve joined hands with our Quad partners to contribute over USD 20 million in humanitarian aid and are coordinating with other partners including ASEAN to deliver life-saving assistance.”
In a joint statement released by the four Quad nations, the group expressed its “deepest sympathies and condolences to the peoples of Myanmar and Thailand” and highlighted the gravity of the humanitarian emergency. “The significant loss of life, injuries, and widespread destruction of infrastructure worsen an already-dire humanitarian situation in Myanmar,” the statement noted.
The Quad praised regional diplomatic efforts, adding, “We welcome recent commitments to temporary, partial ceasefires and call on all parties to implement, extend and broaden these measures, to provide a safe and conducive environment to facilitate timely delivery of life-saving humanitarian assistance throughout Myanmar.”
Acknowledging the role of regional institutions, the statement continued: “We welcome the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ statements of 29 and 30 March, and the support provided by ASEAN and countries in the region to the communities affected.”
The Quad’s collective efforts include “delivering relief supplies and deploying emergency medical teams and supporting humanitarian partners working in Myanmar to provide care for those affected by the earthquake.” A dedicated coordination group under the Quad’s Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Partnership is working closely with the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre) to streamline operations.
“The Quad is coordinating efforts to ensure that our response effectively and efficiently distributes assistance and meets the needs of the communities affected,” the joint statement emphasised.
Recalling the origins of Quad collaboration, the statement noted that the grouping’s roots lie in the joint response to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. “Since then, we have provided practical and effective humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in moments of need across the Indo-Pacific.”
As the region grapples with the aftermath of the quake, the Quad partners reaffirmed their enduring commitment: “We affirm the Quad’s commitment to working together in response to natural disasters and broader challenges to regional stability and security, as part of our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
The earthquake, which sent tremors across the region and left a trail of destruction in both Myanmar and Thailand, has claimed over 3,000 lives so far, with the toll expected to rise as search and rescue operations continue. Entire communities were flattened, infrastructure damaged, and survivors left without food, shelter, or medical care.
India emerged as the first responder to the crisis, launching immediate relief missions within hours of the disaster. The Indian Navy and Air Force swiftly dispatched ships and aircraft loaded with essential supplies, including food items, tents, blankets, and medical kits. Two teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were deployed for search and rescue operations, along with a fully equipped field hospital. These teams continue to operate on the ground, backed by heavy machinery, ambulances, and other support vehicles
