Operation Sadbhav 2025 | India’s Swift Aid to Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar

In 2025, Operation Sadbhav stands as a defining example of India’s proactive humanitarian diplomacy under its “Act East Policy.” Launched in response to the devastation caused by Typhoon Yagi, Operation Sadbhav underscores India’s growing role as a first responder in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) across Southeast Asia, particularly in Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam.

Operation Sadbhav: A Humanitarian Milestone

• Operation Sadbhav was initiated by India in September 2024 to deliver critical aid to ASEAN nations affected by Typhoon Yagi, the strongest cyclone to hit Asia that year.
• The mission reflects India’s strategic commitment to regional stability and resilience, aligning with its Act East Policy and reinforcing its image as a dependable partner in times of crisis.

Aid Deployment Under Operation Sadbhav

India’s relief efforts under Operation Sadbhav were swift, coordinated, and impactful:

• The total aid value exceeded US$1 million, with $1 million allocated to Vietnam and $100,000 to Laos.
• The Indian Navy and Air Force played a pivotal role, deploying aircraft and ships to ensure timely delivery of relief materials.

Typhoon Yagi: The Catalyst Behind Operation Sadbhav

• Typhoon Yagi originated in the western Philippine Sea on September 1, 2024, and intensified into a Category 5 cyclone with winds reaching 260 km/h.
• It became the strongest tropical cyclone in Asia in 2024, second globally only to Hurricane Beryl.
• The storm caused massive displacement and infrastructure damage across Southeast Asia, prompting urgent international relief efforts.

Cyclone Science & Classification (Quick Facts)

• Formation: Tropical cyclones form over warm ocean waters near the equator due to rising moist air and low-pressure systems.
• Categories (IMD classification):
  • Severe: 48–63 knots
  • Very Severe: 64–89 knots
  • Extremely Severe: 90–119 knots
  • Super Cyclonic: 120+ knots
• Naming: Cyclones in the Indian Ocean are named by the RSMC New Delhi, using lists submitted by regional countries including India, Myanmar, and Thailand.

Cyclonic Disasters in 2025

• Typhoon Yagi (Aug–Sep 2024) was a Category 5 super typhoon with winds up to 270 km/h, causing over 1,000 fatalities and $14.7 billion in damages, making it the costliest storm in Vietnamese history.
• Other notable cyclones in 2025 include:
  • Cyclone Midhili: A severe storm that impacted the eastern coast of India in early 2025.
  • Cyclone Remal: A powerful system that affected Bangladesh and West Bengal, prompting coordinated relief efforts.
  • Cyclone Mocha: Though formed in late 2024, its residual effects were felt into 2025 across Myanmar and the Bay of Bengal.

Other Indian Humanitarian Operations in the Region

India’s commitment to regional disaster response extends beyond Operation Sadbhav:

These missions reflect India’s evolving role as a net security provider and humanitarian partner in the Indo-Pacific.

Strategic Implications

• Operation Sadbhav and similar missions bolster India’s diplomatic ties with ASEAN nations.
• They showcase India’s growing capacity in disaster diplomacy, leveraging HADR to build trust and influence.
• These efforts align with India’s vision of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, where regional stability is supported through cooperative engagement.

Conclusion

Operation Sadbhav is not just a relief mission—it’s a symbol of India’s strategic compassion and regional leadership. As climate-related disasters intensify, India’s HADR footprint continues to expand, reinforcing its role as a dependable partner in times of crisis.

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