Melbourne [Australia], July 9 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said India’s humanitarian assistance is guided by compassion rather than nationality, race, or geography, asserting that the country does not differentiate on the basis of passports or the “color of the passport” when extending help to those in need around the world.
Addressing the Indian diaspora at the “Melbourne Meets Modi” event during his three-day official visit to Australia, Modi said India’s growing capabilities are being used for the benefit of humanity, adding that this approach has strengthened global trust in the country.
“When India extends a helping hand, it does not look at passports; when India sends aid, it does not look at the color of the passport. That is why the world places such great trust in India,” Modi said.
Highlighting India’s role as a first responder during humanitarian crises, the prime minister said the country’s increasing capabilities have enabled it to assist nations affected by natural disasters and other emergencies around the world.
“As India’s strength grows, all of humanity benefits,” he said.
Citing recent examples, Modi said India responded swiftly to the humanitarian crisis following the devastating twin earthquakes in Venezuela by deploying relief supplies, rescue personnel, and medical teams.
“Just last month, Venezuela faced a massive earthquake tragedy. We did not look at the distance; instead, we viewed Venezuela’s suffering as our own. India launched relief and rescue operations, sending aid and experts as swiftly as possible. Our medical teams swung into action immediately. It gives me great satisfaction that many lives were saved,” he said.
Last month, India launched Operation Amistad, a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission, in solidarity with the people of Venezuela following the twin earthquakes that caused significant loss of life, injuries, and widespread destruction.
As part of the mission, India deployed a 41-member team of rescue personnel and medical professionals to work alongside Venezuelan authorities in search-and-rescue operations, emergency medical care, and humanitarian relief.
The contingent also transported approximately six tons of medical supplies and humanitarian relief materials provided by the Ministry of External Affairs, along with a BHISHM Cube (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita & Maitri) under India’s Aarogya Maitri Project.
The BHISHM Cube is an indigenous, rapidly deployable, modular medical facility designed for disaster response and humanitarian operations. The system consists of compact, self-contained medical units that can be quickly assembled into a fully functional field hospital capable of treating up to 200 patients.
The prime minister also referred to India’s humanitarian assistance following the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, saying New Delhi acted promptly by dispatching relief supplies and rescue teams.
He further highlighted India’s disaster relief efforts in neighboring countries, noting that New Delhi carried out Operation Brahma in Myanmar last year following a devastating earthquake and launched Operation Sagar Bandhu after a cyclone struck Sri Lanka.
“When earthquakes struck Türkiye and Syria, India rapidly dispatched relief and rescue assistance. There are many such examples. Last year, we conducted ‘Operation Brahma’ in Myanmar, and when a cyclone devastated Sri Lanka, we launched ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu,'” Modi said.
He added that these initiatives reflect India’s commitment to standing with the global community during times of crisis, reinforcing the country’s image as a trusted and responsible humanitarian partner.
Modi made the remarks while addressing about 30,000 people at the community event, believed to be the largest such gathering hosted by any world leader in Australia.
Earlier in the day, Modi concluded a high-level summit with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Melbourne, resulting in a significant expansion of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The visit, from July 8 to July 10, produced 18 major outcomes spanning defense, maritime security, energy, critical technologies, education, mining, research, and cultural cooperation, further strengthening bilateral ties. (ANI)
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