Operation Humanity: India's Strategic Legal Role in Global Peace and Security

A magnitude 4.5 earthquake occurred in Myanmar on April 14, 2025, at a shallow depth of 10 km, heightening the probability of aftershocks.

- ADV. KUSHAL KUMAR & DR. ALISHA VERMA

This incidence occurred subsequent to a catastrophic earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale in March. In response, India initiated 'Operation Brahma,' sent a contingent of Indian Army Engineers to evaluate the damage in Naypyitaw and Mandalay. The crew is assessing essential infrastructure, including the Old Ava railway bridge over the Irrawaddy River. Moreover, India has extended humanitarian assistance, comprising 15 tonnes of relief supplies, to aid impacted populations and the Indian diaspora in the Yangon region.

India has emerged as a significant player in the landscape of global humanitarian assistance and global security, founded on a strong legal and policy framework. India demonstrates its commitment to international peace and security as well as the promotion of human rights through leadership in disaster response, global health diplomacy and establishing confidence-building measures through defence cooperation. India's strategic role in these activities illustrates the legal obligations that underpin its national security and foreign policy objectives.

LEGAL FRAMEWORK SUPPORTING DISASTER RELIEF AND GLOBAL HEALTH INITIATIVES

India has been at the forefront of disaster response operations both domestically and globally through a solid institutional and legal structure. The Disaster Management Act, 2005 has provided domestic legislation as a legal framework for preparedness and responding to disasters including the mobilization of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). India has, at times of crisis, assisted other nation-states through domestic and international humanitarian assistance mechanisms, thereby demonstrating its legal and moral obligations to provide humanitarian assistance under international law.