On April 25, 2015, a powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.8 struck Nepal. It caused widespread destruction and killed more than 9,000 people. Roads, hospitals, and historic monuments were reduced to rubble. Thousands were injured. Millions lost their homes. In response, India launched Operation Maitri on April 26, 2015. It was a large-scale rescue and relief mission led by the Indian government. The Indian Army, Air Force, NDRF, and other agencies took part. India sent aircraft, helicopters, doctors, medicines, food, and tents. Over 43,000 Indians were safely evacuated from Nepal. The operation also helped many Nepalese citizens and foreigners.

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What is Operation Maitri?

Operation Maitri is a rescue and relief mission. It was launched by the Indian government in April 2015. It aimed to help Nepal after the earthquake. The word ‘Maitri’ means friendship. This name shows the friendly ties between India and Nepal.

The earthquake struck on April 25, 2015. Its magnitude was 7.8 on the Richter scale. It was one of the worst quakes in the region. Thousands of people lost their lives. Lakhs were left homeless. Nepal’s infrastructure was badly damaged.

India quickly responded to this disaster. Within hours, India launched Operation Maitri. The Indian Air Force and Army were deployed. Relief teams and medical help were sent immediately. This operation showed India's quick action and large-scale support.

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Operation Maitri Details

Operation Maitri was led by the Indian Armed Forces. It was one of the largest rescue missions ever done by India. The operation had many parts. It included search and rescue, medical aid, and transport support.

Here are some factual details:

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Operation Maitri India Response

India's response to Nepal’s crisis was immediate. The Prime Minister held high-level meetings. Relief flights started within six hours. The Indian Air Force used C-130 and C-17 aircraft. These aircraft carried food, tents, and medical supplies.

Indian Army units from Eastern Command were moved. They helped in debris removal and treatment of injured people. NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) teams also joined. They rescued people trapped under debris.

The Indian Railways provided logistics support. Mobile hospitals were set up. Medical teams performed surgeries and trauma care. Operation Maitri showed India’s strong readiness for disasters. It also showed India's support for neighbors in tough times.

Operation Maitri had many phases. It was not a one-time effort. It had quick response, mid-term support, and long-term aid. The mission involved many Indian agencies.

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Key Operational Highlights

Here are some highlights of Operation Maitri:

• Over 43 aircraft sorties were conducted in 3 days.
• More than 50 tons of food and medicine were delivered.
• Mi-17 helicopters were used for remote villages.
• Indian telecom firms helped in restoring networks.
• Engineers helped in restoring roads and bridges.
• Nepal praised India’s help in international media.

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Operation Maitri Indo-Nepal Relations

India and Nepal share deep cultural and historical ties. They also share borders and open migration policies. Operation Maitri improved these ties. It showed India's role as Nepal’s first responder.

Nepal’s government and public praised India’s help. India’s support created goodwill. It improved diplomatic relations between the two countries. Nepal thanked India in official statements. Leaders from both nations expressed friendship and support.

UPSC aspirants should connect Operation Maitri to India’s Neighborhood First policy. This is a key part of India’s foreign policy.

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Operation Maitri Humanitarian Diplomacy

Operation Maitri is a clear example of humanitarian diplomacy. India helped without any conditions. The mission focused only on saving lives and helping people.

Humanitarian diplomacy means helping other countries during crises. It is done to build goodwill and show global responsibility. India’s soft power increased due to Operation Maitri.

Other countries also took note. India’s action was praised by the United Nations. It showed that India can lead in South Asia. For UPSC Mains, this point is useful in essays and International Relations.

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Conclusion

Operation Maitri was not just a relief mission. It was a symbol of India's friendship with Nepal. It showed India’s power to help and lead. It combined military, civil, and diplomatic efforts. It boosted India's global image.

Make sure to include Operation Maitri UPSC insights in your answers. Use facts, examples, and analysis to score better. Understanding such missions will help you in GS Papers, Essay, and Interview. Let us aim to serve the nation with knowledge and empathy, just like Operation Maitri served Nepal.

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