Operation Sanjeevani, Background, Features Significance

Operation Sanjeevani was a humanitarian relief and supply mission launched by the Government of India during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure the uninterrupted supply of essential medicines and medical equipment to the Maldives. It was part of India’s broader COVID diplomacy efforts, which also included Vaccine Maitri, Operation Samudra Setu, Operation Lifeline Udan.

Operation Sanjeevani Background

In early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global supply chains. The Maldives, being a small island nation heavily dependent on imports for essential goods, faced an acute shortage of medicines and hospital consumables. Given India’s “Neighbourhood First Policy” and its strategic partnership with the Maldives, India helped Maldives by launching Operation Sanjeevani.

Operation Sanjeevani Key Features

Key features of Operation Sanjeevani include: 

• Operation Sanjeevani was launched in April 2020.
• The medicines were delivered by an Hercules C-130J-30 aircraft of the Indian Air Force to Male, the capital of the Maldives.
• The shipment included 6.2 tonnes of supplies, including influenza vaccines, antiviral drugs (such as lopinavir and ritonavir), and consumables like catheters, nebulisers, urine bags, and infant feeding tubes.

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Operation Sanjeevani Significance 

• The Maldives was the first country to receive such medical assistance from India during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the “Neighbourhood First” policy. This was not the first time India assisted the Maldives; previous missions included Operation Cactus (1988) and Operation Neer (2014). 
• It strengthened ties between India and the Maldives.
• It demonstrated India’s commitment to being the “First Responder” in the Indian Ocean Region.
• Enhanced India’s humanitarian image and soft power.