- On 6th of February, a massive earthquake struck southern Turkiye and Syria affecting millions of people in the region.
- Immediately on receiving news of this tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi directed that all possible assistance be extended to the affected people.
What is Operation dost ?
- It is an ongoing search and rescue mission initiated by the Government of India to help Syria and Turkey, after they witnessed a massive earthquake that left thousands dead, injured and trapped under the rubble.
- India has sent search and rescue teams, mainly teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), materials, medicines, medical equipment and consumables to Turkey and Syria.
- The NDRF teams comprise dog squad, medicines, blankets, four wheelers.
- The Indian Army’s team of medical specialists is providing relief to the injured at a field hospital set up in Turkey’s Hatay.
What is the Central Idea behind this?
HADR Diplomacy
- Disaster relief diplomacy, also known as Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) diplomacy, refers to a country’s efforts to provide aid and support to other countries affected by natural disasters or conflicts.
Features of HADR Diplomacy
- Multipronged approach
- Capacity-building
- Focus on vulnerable populations
- Long-term support
- Emphasis on communication and information sharing
- Respect for local culture and customs
Conclusion
- Public diplomacy, such as HADR capacities, remains one of the most effective tools to build capacities on a people-to-people level, conduct of which needs to be done in a humble way.
- Providing relief and aid to not just neighboring, but in the extended neighborhood of West Asia bodes well for the kind of diplomacy India is aiming to conduct in the future.
Operation Dost,
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