{
  "id": 1020787,
  "title": "India is emerging as a global first responder to natural disasters - opinion",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/15/india-is-emerging-as-a-global-first-responder-to-natural-disasters",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-15T11:26:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Jerusalem Post",
    "slug": "jerusalem-post",
    "url": "https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-905468"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The massive Indian Ocean Tsunami of December 2004 resulted in the death of nearly 250,000 people and displaced over a million in 14 countries across the Indo-Pacific region. This devastating event marked India's emergence as a global first responder to natural disasters. In response to the catastrophe, India deployed more than 40 ships, several transport aircraft, and helicopters, along with over 20,000 military personnel across five humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations, including operations in Sri Lanka, Maldives, Thailand, Indonesia, and others. This swift and coordinated response led to India's recognition as a credible first responder in the Indo-Pacific region.\n\nSince the 2004 tsunami, India has undertaken numerous significant humanitarian missions. In December 2014, Operation Neer supplied over 1,500 tonnes of drinking water to the Maldives following the breakdown of its only desalination plant. In April 2015, India launched Operation Maitri to evacuate thousands of Indians and foreign nationals affected by a massive earthquake in Nepal, delivering essential supplies and setting up field hospitals. Following the devastating earthquake in Myanmar in March 2025, India launched Operation Brahma, providing over 750 tonnes of materials, equipment, and essential medicines, including field hospitals in Mandalay.\n\nIndia's HADR capabilities have expanded beyond its immediate neighborhood. In 2019, India provided HADR support to cyclone-hit Mozambique, and in 2023, the country assisted Malawi in the aftermath of a tropical cyclone. Most recently, in June 2026, India provided humanitarian relief materials to earthquake-hit Venezuela, demonstrating its commitment to global disaster response. Over the years, India has also contributed significantly to global efforts, supplying 300 million vaccine doses to 99 countries and two UN entities under the Vaccine Maitri initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\nIndia's approach to HADR has evolved from an episodic activity to a continuous global engagement, firmly embedded in its foreign and security policy through the Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) doctrine and the MAHASAGAR vision. India's HADR efforts are not merely reactive but also include frameworks for international cooperation in prevention and mitigation, such as the international tsunami warning system and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.",
  "summary": "By providing need-based and rapid assistance during emergencies, and through its efforts to develop capacities for mutual benefit, India is seen as a reliable first responder and a force for good.",
  "key_points": [
    "India deployed over 40 ships, aircraft, and 20,000 personnel in 2004 tsunami response.",
    "Operation Neer supplied 1,500 tonnes of water to Maldives in 2014.",
    "India provided humanitarian relief to Venezuela in 2026."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}