India rushes to Myanmar's aid as earthquake toll tops 1,600

Modi speaks to junta govt head Min Aung Hlaing, rushes over 137 tonnes of relief material

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @ New Delhi

PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday spoke to Min Aung Hlaing, the leader of Myanmar's military-led government, reaffirming India's unwavering commitment to Myanmar in the wake of the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that has claimed over 1,600 lives and left more than 3,400 injured.

As a first responder, New Delhi ramped up relief and rescue efforts under 'Operation Brahma', launched in the early hours of Saturday, with the first aircraft carrying 15 tonnes of relief material taking off from Hindon Air Force Base at 3 am for Yangon.