31 Mar India-Rising Power Through Humanitarian Aid
This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the Topic of India-Rising Power Through Humanitarian Aid.
SYLLABUS MAPPING:
GS-2-International Relations- India-Rising Power Through Humanitarian Aid
FOR PRELIMS
What is Humanitarian assistance/Aid? What are the key challenges in delivering effective humanitarian aid?
FOR MAINS
What are the key differences between India’s approach to humanitarian aid and that of Western nations?
Why in the News?
What is Humanitarian assistance/Aid?
Humanitarian assistance (or aid) is aid and action aimed at saving lives, alleviating suffering, and preserving human dignity during and after crises caused by natural disasters or human-made conflicts. It also includes efforts to prevent and prepare for such emergencies. Humanitarian assistance is guided by the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence, ensuring that aid is provided solely based on need, without discrimination or political influence.
Indian Rising’s role in Humanitarian aid
| Operation Name | Country | Year | Support Provided |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operation Maitri | Nepal | 2015 | Earthquake relief – rescue teams, medical aid, relief supplies |
| Operation Insaniyat | Bangladesh | 2017 | Aid for Rohingya refugees – food, medical supplies |
| Operation Sahayata | Mozambique | 2019 | Cyclone Idai relief – food, water, medical supplies |
| Operation Vanilla | Madagascar | 2020 | Cyclone Diane relief – food and medical aid |
| Operation Samudra Setu | Multiple (Indian Ocean Region) | 2020 | COVID-19 evacuation – repatriation of stranded Indians |
| Vaccine Maitri | Global (100+ countries) | 2021 | COVID-19 vaccine supply – Covaxin and Covishield distribution |
| Operation Devi Shakti | Afghanistan | 2021-2022 | Evacuation of Indian nationals, humanitarian aid (wheat, medicine) |
| Operation Ganga | Ukraine & Poland | 2022 | Evacuation of stranded Indian students during the Ukraine war |
| Operation Dost | Türkiye & Syria | 2023 | Earthquake relief – medical teams, relief materials |
| Operation Kaveri | Sudan | 2023 | Conflict evacuation – rescue of stranded Indians, food aid |
| Operation Uphaar | Sri Lanka | 2022 | Economic crisis support – fuel, medicine, financial assistance |
| Operation Samudra Prahari | Maldives | 2024 | Water crisis – emergency drinking water supply |
| Operation Brahma | Myanmar | 2024-2025 | Earthquake relief – medical teams, field hospitals, relief supplies |
Approaches towards Humanitarian Aid
| Approach | India | Western Powers (US, EU, UK, etc.) |
|---|---|---|
| Aid Philosophy | “Neighbourhood First” & South-South Cooperation – Focus on regional and Global South assistance | Western-led Global Humanitarian Framework – Extensive aid worldwide |
| Response Mechanism | Rapid response via military & diplomatic channels (e.g., Indian Navy, Air Force, MEA coordination) | UN-led interventions, NGOs, and military involvement |
| Focus Areas | Disaster relief, economic aid, medical support, and evacuation missions | Development aid, conflict resolution, refugee assistance, and peacekeeping |
| Execution | Direct government-to-government aid, bilateral agreements | Primarily channelled through multilateral organizations (UN, WHO, NGOs) |
| Political Influence | Humanitarian aid with non-interference policy, prioritizing sovereignty | Aid is often linked to geopolitical interests and foreign policy objectives |
| Major Initiatives | Operation Maitri, Vaccine Maitri, Operation Ganga, Operation Dost | USAID, European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), UN-led programs |
| Financial Assistance | Grants, concessional loans, infrastructure aid (e.g., building schools, hospitals) | Large-scale financial grants, loans, and investments through IMF, World Bank |
| Military & Disaster Relief | Indian Armed Forces-led disaster response (e.g., Indian Navy’s HADR missions) | NATO and Western military-led interventions in crises |
| Healthcare & Vaccine Aid | Vaccine Maitri – COVID-19 vaccine supply to 100+ countries | WHO-backed global vaccine initiatives (e.g., COVAX program) |
| Long-term Commitment | Sustained development assistance & regional capacity-building | Often project-based, with conditional financial aid or political expectations |
What is the issue with Humanitarian Aid
1. Political Manipulation: Aid is sometimes used as a political tool, restricting access to marginalized groups.
2. Corruption & Mismanagement: Funds and resources can be misused, preventing aid from reaching those in need.
3. Dependency: Long-term reliance on aid discourages local self-sufficiency and development.
4. Security Risks: Aid workers face attacks, kidnappings, and restricted access in conflict zones.
5. Unequal Distribution: Some crises receive more attention and funding than others.
6. Delays & Bureaucracy: Excessive red tape slows aid delivery, worsening crises.
7. Funding Gaps: Many operations remain underfunded due to declining donor interest.
8. Economic & Environmental Impact: Aid can disrupt local markets and create waste.
9. Diversion by Armed Groups: Militants steal or control aid to fund their activities.
10. Lack of Long-Term Solutions: Short-term relief often overshadows sustainable development.
Humanitarian Aid is a real aid in the spirit
Humanitarian aid is the purest form of support, driven by the principles of humanity, neutrality, and solidarity. It provides lifesaving assistance to those affected by conflicts, natural disasters, and health crises, ensuring their survival, dignity, and recovery. Despite challenges like political interference, security risks, and funding shortages, humanitarian aid remains a lifeline for millions. When delivered with impartiality and efficiency, it empowers communities, restores hope, and reflects the true spirit of humanity—helping people in their darkest hours without discrimination or self-interest.
Conclusion
Humanitarian aid stands as a beacon of hope, reflecting the true spirit of compassion and solidarity. India’s proactive approach through operations like Brahma, Maitri, Ganga, and Dost highlights its commitment to regional stability and global welfare. While humanitarian aid plays a crucial role in saving lives and rebuilding communities, it is often hindered by political agendas, funding challenges, and logistical barriers. To make humanitarian assistance more effective, impartial, and sustainable, nations must prioritize transparency, long-term development, and local empowerment. True humanitarianism lies not just in emergency relief but in fostering resilience, dignity, and self-sufficiency for affected populations. Aid should transcend politics and focus on humanity, ensuring no one is left behind.
Prelims Questions
Q. With reference to humanitarian aid, consider the following statements:
1. India’s humanitarian aid policy is primarily based on the principles of “Neighborhood First” and “South-South Cooperation.”
2. Operation Dost was launched by India to provide humanitarian relief to Türkiye and Syria after a devastating earthquake.
3. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is responsible for overseeing all global humanitarian aid operations.
How many of the above-given statements are correct?
A. Only one
B. Only two
C. All three
D. None
Answer: B
Mains Questions
Q. Discuss India’s approach to humanitarian aid and compare it with that of Western powers.
(250 words, 15marks)
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