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May 30, 2006 
The Indian government has begun to send humanitarian aid to the earthquake hit Yogyakarta region of Indonesia. The relief effort, named Operation Marham involves both the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy and aims at delivering aid materials to the victims in as short a time as is possible. defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee was away on an official visit to China and Japan, as a result of which the Indian response was delayed. Mr. Mukherjee, however, on Sunday night asked the Defence Ministry to make preparations to dispatch aid to Indonesia with immediate effect.

The naval vessel INS Rajput, which was on overseas deployment in the South China Sea was diverted to Jakarta and is expected to reach there with 7 tons of relief material anytime today. The INS Tabar will leave Chennai today carrying additional aid. An I.A.F cargo plane carrying 35 tons of relief material has already been sent to Indonesia. Another airforce IL-76 carrying a similar quantity of relief material will leave India today. India has sent tents, medical supplies and rice to the victims of the earthquake. Military doctors are also expected to be sent to aid the casualties.

Indian President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh conveyed their condolneces to Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

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Sources

• The Hindu "New Delhi rushing aid to Indonesia". Grabline, 30 May 2006