In the aftermath of the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28, 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the need for other wealthy nations, specifically India and China, to increase their contributions to global humanitarian aid. Speaking at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Rubio stated, “We are not the government of the world. We’ll provide humanitarian assistance… but we also have other needs we have to balance.”
Rubio highlighted that it’s not equitable for the United States to shoulder 60-70% of the world’s humanitarian aid, noting, “China is a very rich country, and India is a rich country. Everyone should pitch in.”
In response to the crisis, India promptly launched “Operation Brahma,” delivering substantial aid to Myanmar. Within hours of the earthquake, India dispatched a C-130J aircraft carrying 15 tonnes of relief materials, including food, tents, blankets, and essential medicines. Subsequent efforts involved additional aircraft and naval ships transporting further aid and National Disaster Response Force personnel to assist in relief operations.
China also played a significant role by dispatching medical workers, earthquake experts, rescue teams, and supplies worth 100 million yuan, swiftly establishing humanitarian routes even through conflict zones.
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These developments underscore a shift in the global humanitarian landscape, with the U.S. advocating for a more balanced distribution of aid responsibilities among affluent nations.
