What happened?
India reaffirmed its commitment to regional cooperation in disaster management following the devastating earthquakes that struck Myanmar and Thailand. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted the BIMSTEC region’s vulnerability to natural disasters, underscoring the importance of collaboration in disaster preparedness and relief efforts.
Why it matters to India
India sees the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) as a key platform for regional disaster management cooperation. With the region frequently facing cyclones, tsunamis, and earthquakes, India prioritises joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercises to strengthen response mechanisms.
India’s proactive role is evident in its swift response to the 7.7-magnitude earthquake, showcasing its commitment to being the first responder in the neighbourhood during natural disasters.