On February 6, 2023, southern Turkey and parts of Syria were hit by a massive earthquake measuring 7.8 and 7.7 on the Richter scale respectively, resulting in significant loss of life and damage to infrastructure. In response, India promptly launched ‘Operation Dost,’ which sent relief materials and assistance to the affected regions.
What is Operation Dost?
Operation Dost is a search and rescue operation that was carried out by the Indian Army in response to the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria. Within twelve hours of the tragedy, the Indian Army prepared rescue teams and arranged for the delivery of relief materials to the affected regions. This effort is a part of India’s disaster relief diplomacy, also known as Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) diplomacy.
What did India send?
India sent three teams of the National Disaster Response Force, including a field hospital, materials, medicines, and equipment. Around 100 rescue workers from the NDRF, along with dog squads utilising specialised Collapsed Structure Search and Rescue (CSSR) equipment and techniques, were sent to the affected regions. Additionally, a military medical contingent set up a field hospital with about 30 beds, ventilators, ambulances, X-ray machines, generators, and other necessary equipment. India also sent 25 tonnes of relief materials such as emergency medicines, clothes, and protective gear. Garuda Aerospace’s drones were sent to the severely affected areas to identify people trapped under rubble, along with modified Kisan drones carrying medications, food, and supplies.
India’s HADR Diplomacy
India’s disaster relief diplomacy, or HADR diplomacy, involves providing aid and support to other countries affected by natural disasters or conflicts. It is a soft power tool that enhances country-to-country cooperation and promotes better people-to-people ties. India’s efforts to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to affected regions have grown remarkably in recent years. The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) was also developed from an early blueprint to build disaster response systems in the region.
Examples of India providing timely assistance to disaster-hit countries include the Maldives (2004 Tsunami – Operation Castor), Sri Lanka (2004 Tsunami – Operation Rainbow), Myanmar (2008 Cyclone Nargis), Japan (2011 Tsunami), and Nepal (2015 earthquake).
Operation Dost’s Significance
Operation Dost and India’s assistance to Turkey and Syria are significant, especially considering India’s rivalry with Turkey over certain issues. Despite Turkey’s support for Pakistan on the Kashmir issue, India extended its hand of goodwill and provided relief on humanitarian grounds. This move can lead to a reset in diplomatic relations between both countries, and Turkey should acknowledge India’s gesture. It also demonstrates India’s commitment to global humanitarian efforts and showcases the concept of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ or ‘the whole world is one family.’
