Indian Navy's HADR operations showcase India's growing influence

The Indian Navy is not new to India's projection of power in the Indian Ocean and beyond, but with each passing year, it has increased its foray and ability to deliver. One of the most pivotal moments in the past has been the Indian Navy's role in thwarting the coup in the Maldives in 1988 when it had deployed frigates Godavari and Betwa which intercepted mercenaries under Operation Cactus. The Time Magazine had a front page cover with the Indian Naval Ship Godavari with the header “Super India: The Next Military Power”.

Building on the successes, the Indian Navy has been executing a range of high-stakes humanitarian missions—from Search and Rescue (SAR) to Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations (NEO) and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR). The missions reflect India's commitment to global humanitarian assistance and regional security. These are part of India's larger strategic objectives, including the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine and the “Neighborhood First” policy. Policies that are key to creating goodwill and trust in the region and beyond.

Also read | Indian influencer tests Japan's cleanliness by walking on its streets in white socks. Here's the result

Among the key roles the Indian Navy has played in the first few years of this century was during the 2004 tsunami. That year, the Indian Navy responded rapidly, delivering life-saving aid and relief to affected nations, including Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and the Maldives. This elevated India's role as the first responder in the region. Since then, from the COVID crisis (2020) to Typhoon Yagi (2024), the role has significantly increased as Indian Navy assets play an important role in implementing Delhi's foreign policy objectives.

Under Mission Sagar, the Indian Navy extended its reach to deliver COVID-19 assistance to countries like the Maldives, Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros, and Seychelles which included medical assistance teams, food aid, and other essential supplies. In the backdrop of Typhoon Yagi, under Operation Sadbhav, the Indian Navy delivered relief materials to Myanmar. Overnight loading of HADR pallets, including essentials like drinking water, rations, and medicines, was done onto an Indian naval ship destined for Yangon. This rapid mobilisation showcased the Navy's capability to respond swiftly to regional humanitarian crises, in a short time frame.

Also read | Khalistani terrorist Pannun threatens to attack India's Ram Mandir, warns 'will shake foundations of Ayodhya'

Former Navy Chief Admiral (Retd) Karambir Singh has noted that these missions serve “dual purposes”—fostering regional stability while also enhancing India's stature as a security provider.

The Navy has also executed high-stakes missions, & operations like Sukoon (2006) and Raahat (2015). Under Operation Sukoon, the Navy successfully evacuated Indian, Sri Lankan, and Nepali nationals from war-torn Lebanon while in Operation Raahat, saw the swift evacuation of over 4,600 Indian and foreign nationals from conflict-ridden Yemen. Amid the volatile situation in Gulf of Aden with Houthi attacks (2023-ongoing), the Indian Navy not only rescued Indian nationals, but nationals of countries like the Philippines and Pakistan.

Vice Admiral (Retd) Biswajit Dasgupta, former Eastern Naval Command Chief, emphasised that the Navy's humanitarian missions reinforce “universal values of compassion and neutrality, critical elements of soft power.”

The integration of satellite-based communication systems, UAVs, and real-time coordination networks ensure that India's SAR, NEO, and HADR missions are swift and highly efficient. One of the standout innovations is the use of advanced water purification systems aboard naval vessels, allowing them to produce potable water from seawater. These capabilities, coupled with real-time intelligence sharing and international collaboration, position the Indian Navy at the forefront of global humanitarian efforts.