Brussels/Yangon, April 5, 2025 — US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Friday that while the United States remains committed to humanitarian aid, other wealthy nations like India and China must share the burden during global crises. Speaking at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Rubio responded to questions about the US role in helping Myanmar after the March 28 earthquake.
“We are not the government of the world,” Rubio remarked, defending the scale of America’s aid efforts. He acknowledged difficulties in Myanmar due to the military junta’s resistance to US operations but reiterated that the US was still assisting.
He emphasized that India and China, as rich countries, should step up during such emergencies. “Everyone should pitch in. It is not fair to assume the US must share 60 to 70 per cent of humanitarian aid around the world,” he said.
Even before Rubio’s comments, India had already mobilized a major response to Myanmar’s crisis under “Operation Brahma.” Within hours of the quake, India sent 15 tonnes of relief material including food, medicines, and tents via a C-130J aircraft. The second tranche brought 80 NDRF specialists, search and rescue gear, and more humanitarian supplies on two additional aircraft.
Indian Navy ships Satpura and Savitri reached Yangon with 40 tonnes of aid on March 31. Two more ships, Karmuk and LCU 52, sailed from the Andaman and Nicobar Command with another 30 tonnes of relief. On Saturday, INS Gharial delivered a massive 442 metric tonnes of food, including rice, oil, biscuits, and noodles at Thilawa Port.
“Operation Brahma is a whole-of-government endeavour,” India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated, reaffirming India’s role as the region’s first responder. The country promised more help depending on evolving needs on the ground.
The Quad nations—India, the US, Japan, and Australia—have together pledged over $20 million for Myanmar’s relief efforts. The grouping noted ongoing efforts to deliver supplies, medical teams, and partner support in the affected areas.
India’s swift and sustained response highlights its regional leadership in crisis management and its commitment under the Neighbourhood First and Act East policies.
