Operation Dost [UPSC Notes]

On 6 February 2023, a massive earthquake struck southern Turkey and parts of Syria causing immense loss of lives and damage to property in the region. India promptly sent relief materials and help to the afflicted regions, showcasing disaster relief diplomacy and humanity at the time of crisis. The Indian Army’s operation to assist Turkey and Syria is named ‘Operation Dost’. In this article, you can read all about Operation Dost and its larger implications for the IAS exam IR segment.

Operation Dost

Turkey and Syria were struck by a massive earthquake with 7.8 and 7.7 magnitudes on the Richter scale respectively and the countries are also facing massive aftershocks.

• The earthquake has caused tens of thousands of deaths and extensive collapse of infrastructure.
• India launched ‘Operation Dost’ for assistance to the quake-hit countries.
• The Indian Army prepared rescue teams and arranged relief materials within twelve hours of the tragedy.
• Operation Dost is a search and rescue operation.
• Mainly three teams of the National Disaster Response Force – a field hospital, materials, medicines, and equipment have been sent by India.
• This is part of India’s disaster relief diplomacy, also known as Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) diplomacy, wherein India provides aid and support to other countries affected by natural disasters or conflicts.

What did India send?

• Around 100 rescue workers of the NDRF along with dog squads utilising specialised Collapsed Structure Search and Rescue (CSSR) equipment and techniques.
• A field hospital has been set up by a military medical contingent with about 30 beds, ventilators, ambulances, X-ray machines, generators, etc.
• 25 tonnes of relief material, emergency medicines, clothes, protective gear, etc.
• Garuda Aerospace’s drones to severely affected areas to identify those trapped under rubble, along with modified Kisan drones carrying medications, food, and supplies.

Also read: India – Turkey relations

India and HADR Diplomacy

HADR diplomacy is a soft power tool which enhances country-to-country cooperation and promotes better people-to-people ties. It helps to promote better international relations and enhances the prestige of the country globally as a key international player. It also demonstrates India’s commitment to global humanitarian efforts showcasing the concept of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ or ‘the whole world is one family’.

India’s efforts to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to affected regions have grown remarkably in recent years. The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) was also developed from an early blueprint to build disaster response systems in the region.

Some examples of India providing timely assistance to disaster-hit countries include the Maldives (2004 Tsunami – Operation Castor), Sri Lanka (2004 Tsunami – Operation Rainbow), Myanmar (2008 Cyclone Nargis), Japan (2011 Tsunami), Nepal (2015 earthquake).

Operation Dost Significance

Operation Dost and India providing assistance to Turkey is significant, especially considering India’s rivalry with Turkey over certain issues. Turkey has always supported Pakistan on the Kashmir issue and even raked up this bilateral issue on the international arena, much to India’s annoyance. This has even prompted many to ask the question, why was India helping a country that doesn’t respect its sovereignty?

There are many factors that could have led India to decide to assist a country in distress. Providing relief on humanitarian grounds notwithstanding political differences is the right thing to do, according to many. This move can lead to a reset in the diplomatic relations between both countries as India has extended a hand of goodwill, which Turkey should acknowledge.

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