India deploys Navy ship to disaster-hit Madagascar under Indo-Pacific vision

NEW DELHI: India has been first country to respond to floods in Madagascar in the South-western Indian Ocean and deployed Navy ship to the island nation to extend assistance to the victims.

Madagascar has been hit by a Cyclone. There has been heavy flooding and landslides since last week which has caused loss of lives and displacement of a number of people. According to reports, more than 92,000 people have been affected.

In a tweet dated 25 January, the President of Madagascar has requested international mobilisation for the national disaster that has struck Madagascar.


As the first respondent, it has been decided to immediately divert a Indian Navy Ship Airavat, enroute to Seychelles, to Madagascar. The ship is carrying five pallets each of victualing, clothing and naval stores along with three pallets of medicines.

It can, therefore provide clothing, emergency food, temporary shelters, medical assistance, carry out transportation and evacuation of personnel using four large and two medium sized boats, diving and communication assistance.

The ship is scheduled to reach Madagascar on 29 January 2020.

India assistance to Madagascar is in consonance with Prime Minister's vision of 'Security and Growth for all in the Region (SAGAR)'.

India is working with France to develop strategic and economic partnership involving Madagascar, Reunion Islands-Comoros to stabilise that part of Indian Ocean Region.