On Tuesday, India dispatched a consignment of 1,000 metric tonnes of rice to Namibia as part of its humanitarian aid efforts aimed at addressing the food security needs of the drought-stricken African nation. This move reflects India’s commitment to supporting the Global South.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted the initiative, stating, “As a credible HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) provider and a reliable friend, India is extending food grain assistance to the people of Namibia to strengthen their food security in the wake of recent droughts.” The rice consignment departed from Nhava Sheva Port on Tuesday.
Earlier on Saturday, India had announced another humanitarian assistance effort, this time to Chad, following a “deadly” fire in the capital city of N’Djamena. In response to the tragedy that occurred on June 19, involving a fire and explosion at a weapons and ammunition depot, India sent a medical aid consignment weighing approximately 2,300 kgs. This aid included essential life-saving antibiotics and general medicines.
Alongside, India has also launched ‘Operation Sadbhav’ to provide humanitarian assistance to Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam, which have been severely affected by Typhoon Yagi. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar shared on Sunday that 10 tonnes of aid, comprising dry rations, clothing, and medicines, were dispatched to Myanmar aboard the Indian naval ship INS Satpura.
Additionally, a C-130J military transport aircraft from the Indian Air Force carried 35 tonnes of aid to Vietnam and 10 tonnes to Laos. Jaishankar stated, “India launches Operation Sadbhav, demonstrating our solidarity with the people affected by Typhoon Yagi.” He further noted that the Indian Air Force was transporting 35 tonnes of aid to Vietnam, including water purification systems, blankets, kitchen utensils, and solar lanterns, while 10 tonnes of aid sent to Laos included a genset, hygiene supplies, mosquito nets, blankets, and sleeping bags.
The Indian Navy also confirmed its rapid mobilisation for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations following the devastating flash floods in Myanmar caused by Typhoon Yagi. The Eastern Naval Command, in collaboration with the Eastern Fleet and other units, successfully loaded HADR supplies, including drinking water, rations, and medicines, onto a naval warship set to depart from Visakhapatnam for operations in Yangon. Navy spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said, “This rapid mobilisation, despite short notice, demonstrates the Navy’s swift response capabilities in addressing humanitarian crises in the region.”
Typhoon Yagi, Asia’s most powerful storm this year, has had a severe impact on parts of Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam. The storm, which originated from the South China Sea, made landfall over a week ago and has reportedly resulted in the deaths of more than 170 people in Vietnam and around 40 in Myanmar.
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