Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, March 28, expressed concern over the devastating earthquakes in Myanmar and Thailand and said India stands ready to offer all possible assistance to the two countries. The earthquake has rocked many parts of Thailand, including its capital, Bangkok, the venue for next week's summit of the BIMSTEC regional grouping, which is scheduled to be attended by Modi, among other leaders.
"Concerned by the situation in the wake of the Earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand. Praying for the safety and wellbeing of everyone," PM Modi said in a post on X.
Also Read | Earthquake in Myanmar: Tremors Felt in Delhi-NCR After 7.2-Magnitude Quake Strikes Southeast Asian Nation.
Prime Minister said he has spoken with authorities of respective authorities to be on standby. "India stands ready to offer all possible assistance. In this regard, asked our authorities to be on standby. Also asked the MEA to remain in touch with the Governments of Myanmar and Thailand," wort PM.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has called an emergency meeting to assess the impact of the quake. In addition to India and Thailand, the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) comprises Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, and Bhutan.
At the Bangkok summit, the BIMSTEC leaders are expected to deliberate on ways and means to infuse greater momentum in cooperation among the member nations.
The earthquake, recorded at 12:50 pm local time, was felt far away, with several places in India, China, Thailand, and Bangladesh experiencing strong aftershocks. The epicentre was located 16 kilometres northwest of the Burmese city of Sagaing at a depth of 10 kilometers.