A 38-member foreign media delegation representing 11 countries visited the Shatrujeet Brigade to observe the Indian Army’s preparedness for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.
By | Defence & National Affairs Desk|Tariq Bhat
The visit offered international journalists an opportunity to examine the Army’s specialised capabilities for responding rapidly to natural disasters and humanitarian emergencies, both within India and overseas.
During the briefing, the delegation was informed about HADR missions undertaken by the Indian Army in friendly foreign countries. Particular attention was given to Operation Amistad and Operation Sagar Bandhu, which were presented as examples of India's efforts to provide timely assistance during crises beyond its borders.
Inside India’s HADR Capability
The visiting journalists also witnessed a range of specialised equipment used to support disaster-response operations.
The demonstration included the BHISHM Cube, high-mobility all-terrain vehicles, advanced communication systems and specialised field equipment.
The capabilities showcased how military formations can rapidly deploy personnel, medical assistance, communications and essential equipment into difficult or disaster-affected environments.
The delegation was also briefed on the Army's ability to establish self-sustaining medical nodes, enabling medical teams to operate in challenging conditions while providing emergency care to affected populations.
From Battlefield Readiness to Humanitarian Response
The visit highlighted a broader dimension of modern military preparedness.
While armed forces are primarily structured for national defence, their logistical reach, medical capabilities, communications infrastructure and rapid-deployment capacity can also become critical during earthquakes, floods, cyclones and other humanitarian emergencies.
The Indian Army's HADR framework is designed around this ability to rapidly mobilise resources and personnel when civilian infrastructure is overwhelmed or assistance is requested by partner countries.
For the international media delegation, the visit provided a practical look at how these capabilities are integrated—from airborne readiness and mobility to communications, medical support and field logistics.
India’s Humanitarian Outreach
India has increasingly sought to position itself as a first responder in the wider region, providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to neighbouring and partner countries when major emergencies occur.
The operations highlighted during the briefing were presented as part of this broader approach, demonstrating the country's emphasis on rapid response, regional cooperation and humanitarian assistance.
The visit also allowed foreign journalists to observe the technology and equipment supporting these missions at close range.
A Message Beyond Defence
The Shatrujeet Brigade visit ultimately demonstrated that military preparedness can serve purposes beyond conventional security.
In disaster zones, the ability to move quickly, establish communications, deploy medical teams and sustain operations can mean the difference between delayed assistance and lifesaving intervention.
The foreign delegation's visit therefore offered an international audience a closer look at India's evolving HADR capabilities and its stated commitment to providing timely and compassionate assistance wherever disasters strike.
