Manila, Jan 20 (NationPress) On Tuesday, India officially transferred 30 tonnes of humanitarian assistance to the Philippines, which encompasses approximately 6.5 tonnes of critical medicines and medical supplies, along with the BHISHM Cube and additional essentials such as dignity kits, sleeping mats, heavy duty tarpaulins, and shelters.

During a ceremony held at the Clark Air Base, India's Ambassador to the Philippines, Harsh Kumar Jain, presented the aid to Diana Rose S Cajipe, Under Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The event was organized by the Office of the Civil Defence and attended by senior representatives from DSWD, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Health, the Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development, and the Philippine Air Force.

According to a statement from the Indian Embassy in the Philippines shared on X, "The relief supplies, transported by an Indian Air Force (IAF) C-17 Globemaster III, featured essential medicines, medical equipment, and other items like dignity kits, sleeping mats, heavy duty tarpaulins, and shelters. Notably, the BHISHM Cube is a state-of-the-art, 'Make in India' rapidly deployable portable hospital system meant for immediate disaster response."

Ambassador Jain expressed optimism that the aid will offer relief and support to communities affected by the natural disasters that impacted the Philippines in late 2025. Under Secretary Cajipe conveyed appreciation from the Philippine government and its people for India's support.

On Monday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced India's commitment to providing humanitarian assistance to facilitate the relief and recovery efforts following the recent Super Typhoon.

"India stands with the Philippines. An IAF C-17 aircraft departed for Clark Air Base this morning, carrying 30 tonnes of humanitarian assistance, including NDRF relief materials and the BHISHM Cube, to support the Philippine government's recovery efforts after the recent Super Typhoon. India is dedicated to offering HADR support to partner nations in times of need," Jaiswal stated on X.

This assistance was prompted by the aftermath of Typhoon Fung-wong, which struck the Philippines in November of last year. Reports from the Office of Civil Defence indicated that Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which hit Luzon Island on November 9, 2025, resulted in at least 18 fatalities, according to the Xinhua News Agency. Fung-wong was the 21st tropical cyclone and the most potent storm to hit the Philippines in 2025, surpassing the country's annual average of 20 storms.