(a) whether India had launched a Operation Marham (Operation Balm) under which its rushed Naval ships and IAF planes loaded with relief supplies to the quake-hit Indonesia; and
(b) if so, the quantum of relief provided in terms of food, medicines etc. for the affected people of Indonesia?
MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI PRANAB MUKHERJEE)
(a) & (b): The Government of India announced relief assistance of US$2 million to the Government of Indonesia in the aftermath of the earthquake in Indonesia on 27th May 2006. Under Operation Rahat, 40 tons of relief material including tents, cover water proof, plastic jerricans and medicines were sent by two IL-76 aircrafts and 142 tons of medicines, rice, oil hydro, milk powder, blankets, hygiene chemicals and aqua tablets were sent by two Indian Naval Ships to Indonesia by the Armed Forces. The Government of Indonesia thanked Government of India for extending timely assistance to the victims.