Why in news?
On 2 September 2025 India airlifted about 21 tonnes of relief supplies to Afghanistan after a powerful earthquake in the country’s eastern provinces killed more than a thousand people and left thousands injured. The aid included tents, blankets, water purifiers, medicines and food. The swift response renewed discussion on India’s growing role in humanitarian assistance and its use of soft power in foreign policy.
What is HADR?
Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief refers to the timely provision of aid to people affected by natural or man‑made disasters. It involves search and rescue, medical care, food and shelter distribution, and restoration of basic services. In international operations, it is guided by principles of neutrality, impartiality, humanity and independence.
India’s record and soft power
- Quick responses: India has a history of deploying its armed forces and disaster response teams in neighbouring countries. Notable operations include Operation Maitri in Nepal after the 2015 earthquake, assistance to Sri Lanka and the Maldives after the 2004 tsunami, and aid to Myanmar following Cyclone Nargis.
- Neutral diplomacy: By extending aid without attaching political conditions, India projects itself as a reliable partner. The motto Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family) underpins this approach.
- Regional stability: Timely relief reduces human suffering and prevents crises from spilling over into political instability or mass migration, which can affect India’s security.
- Soft power benefits: Humanitarian diplomacy builds goodwill, strengthens people‑to‑people ties and enhances India’s image as a responsible rising power. It complements traditional hard power instruments like defence and trade.
Moving ahead
Experts recommend institutionalising HADR by establishing dedicated units within the military and civil services, investing in logistics and transport capacity, and collaborating with multilateral agencies. Building local capacities in disaster‑prone countries and integrating relief with long‑term reconstruction can maximise the impact of India’s soft power efforts.