Embassy of India

Embassy of India

Antananarivo

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India Hands Over Second Tranche of Humanitarian Relief to Madagascar Following Cyclones Gezani and Fytia and the droughts

Charge d'Affaires of India to Madagascar Mr. Mohit Kumar and Minister of Interior and Decentralization Mr. Hanitra Velonjara Tiaray Rakotonandrasana, accompanied by Director General of BNGRC (National Bureau of Risk and Disaster Management) General Gabriel Ramanantsoa took part in handing over ceremony of 5000 Metric tonnes (MT) of rice, donated by Government of India, in response to Cyclones Gezani and Fytia, at BNGRC Office in Antananarivo on 12 August 2026.

2. The official from Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Madagascar, staff of BNGRC and media members also attended the ceremony. The second tranche of humanitarian assistance consists of 5000 MT of rice. Two shipments of about 1,300 MT of rice in total have already arrived in Toamasina. The BNGRC authorities had transported about 600 MT to Antananarivo. The first tranche of humanitarian aid of 30 MTs, consisting of essential supplies, medicines, food items etc., transported via C-317 aircraft was handed over in March 2026.

3. In his address, Minister of Interior and Decentralization Mr. Hanitra Velonjara Tiaray Rakotonandrasana welcomed the humanitarian aid and expressed heartfelt gratitude of the Republic of Madagascar to the Government of India for the assistance. He noted that the aid will benefit both the victims of the cyclones and vulnerable populations in regions facing high risks of food insecurity and malnutrition.

4. Following the symbolic handover, dignitaries visited the BNGRC warehouse where the rice is being stored ahead of its distribution to the southern regions. A second official handover ceremony is scheduled to take place in Toamasina on 17 August 2026.

5. The handing over of humanitarian assistance in the aftermath of the devastating cyclones- Gezani and Fytia and drought, underscored the strong bilateral ties between the two countries. In his speech, Charge d'Affaires expressed the Government of India’s solidarity with the Government and people of Madagascar, in particular cyclone victims and people facing drought. He shared that the humanitarian gesture is aligned with Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi's vision 'MAHASAGAR', which promotes collective security and growth for all in the Indian Ocean region and commitment to Global South.

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