India navy delivers aid to quake-hit Myanmar
The death toll from the earthquake has surpassed 3,300, according to Myanmar's state media. Over a week after the disaster, survivors are still struggling with a lack of food and shelter. The latest aid delivery from India included 442 tonnes of food, such as rice, cooking oil, noodles, and biscuits. The supplies arrived via the Indian navy's ship, INS Gharial, at Thilawa port.
Modi had met with Min Aung Hlaing on Friday at the BIMSTEC meeting in Bangkok. According to a government statement, Modi expressed India's commitment to assist Myanmar in this critical time. He also conveyed to the junta chief that there was no military solution to the conflict and emphasised the need for an early restoration of democratic processes through inclusive and credible elections.
Min Aung Hlaing's military government has been in power since a coup in 2021, which ousted the civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi and triggered a multi-sided conflict. The junta leader had made a rare appeal for international aid following the earthquake, reflecting the severity of the crisis. Historically, Myanmar's military regimes have been reluctant to accept foreign assistance, even after significant natural disasters.
In addition, Sri Lanka sent a medical team and a plane full of supplies to Myanmar, with funding from Buddhist temples. Colombo has pledged more than $1 million to aid the victims of the earthquake.
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