India will provide technical equipment to support earthquake relief efforts in Myanmar next month, reaffirming the close cooperation between the two countries, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on Wednesday. Speaking via video address at the inauguration of the Indian government-assisted Sarsobeikman Literary Centre in Yangon, Jaishankar emphasised that New Delhi has “always stood” with Naypyidaw in times of need.
The Sarsobeikman Literary Centre, dedicated to preserving and promoting Myanmar’s literary heritage, will support the conservation of classical and folk literature, translation and archival work, creative writing, and scholarly exchanges. Jaishankar described the centre as a symbol of the enduring cultural and diplomatic ties between India and Myanmar, fostering literary engagement for new generations.
Highlighting India’s ongoing support during crises, Jaishankar cited “Operation Brahma” following the March 2025 earthquake in Mandalay, which involved nearly 1,000 tonnes of relief material, an 80-member search-and-rescue team, and a field hospital that treated over 2,500 patients. He also noted continued post-earthquake assistance, including a Jaipur Foot limb fitment camp at a Yangon monastery last year that benefitted more than 650 patients.
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The forthcoming delivery of technical equipment for earthquake relief reflects India’s continued role as a first responder to Myanmar’s disasters, including cyclones, floods, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Jaishankar underlined that India’s support has been people-centric and demand-driven, aimed at strengthening local communities and improving lives.
He further noted Myanmar’s strategic importance in India’s foreign policy, situated at the intersection of “Neighbourhood First,” “Act East,” and the MAHASAGAR initiative covering the Indo-Pacific. India’s engagement spans political, trade, security, and cultural cooperation, with the Sarsobeikman Literary Centre exemplifying the country’s commitment to development and cultural preservation.
Jaishankar expressed confidence that the centre will become a beacon of learning, safeguarding Myanmar’s literary treasures while symbolising the enduring friendship between India and Myanmar for years to come.
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