Illustration of India flag
Ambassador Shri. Harsh Kumar Jain handed over humanitarian aid comprising approximately 30 tons of relief material to Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Undersecretary Diana Rose S. Cajipe at a ceremony organized by the Office of the Civil Defense at the Clark Air Base on January 20, 2026. The ceremony was attended by other senior officials from DSWD, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Health, the Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development, and the Office of the Civil Defense.
The humanitarian aid was offered by the Government of India following the severe devastation caused by the earthquake that hit the province of Cebu and the series of tropical storms and typhoons, including Typhoon Tino and Super Typhoon Uwan, in the last quarter of 2025. India dispatched the aid after receiving the acceptance of the offer from the Government of the Philippines earlier this month.
The relief consignment was delivered by an Indian Air Force (IAF) C-17 Globemaster III aircraft on January 19, 2026. The material was determined in close coordination with the concerned departments of the Philippine government, based on their requirements and priorities.
It includes around 6.5 tons of essential medicines and medical equipment, and other items such as dignity kits, sleeping mats, heavy-duty tarpaulins, and shelters, etc. A key item included in the consignment is the BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita and Maitri) Cube, a world-class, "Make in India", rapidly deployable portable hospital system designed for immediate disaster response. The system is designed to provide comprehensive medical care, including on-field surgeries.
Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Jain expressed solidarity with the people of the Philippines and hoped that the humanitarian aid would provide relief and comfort to the affected communities. He highlighted that India, guided by its vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement of Security and Growth for all in the Region), continues to be the first responder in providing swift humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in the Indo-Pacific region.
On behalf of the Philippines, Undersecretary Cajipe thanked the government and the people of India for the provision of humanitarian aid and for expressing solidarity with the people of the Philippines during the difficult time.