Of special note was Pakistan’s goodwill gesture. Three Pakistani Air Force C-130 aircraft loaded with tents, blankets, and medical supplies arrived in India from the Pakistani city of Rawalpindi. "I have been saddened at the tragic loss of life and property in the earthquake," Pakistan’s Chief Executive, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, said in a statement. Referring to Pakistan’s aid to his country, Ambassador Chandra said, "In these matters of national calamities, we help each other out because we don’t allow political boundaries to stand in the way of making a humanitarian gesture."

U.S. Military Responds

The United States donated over 12 million dollars in money and supplies. Two U.S. civilian 747s airlifted relief supplies to India on 29 January and 4 February. The U.S. armed forces also brought relief supplies in by air and sea. The Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Command had previously sent a Pacific Situation Assessment Team (PSAT) to help identify relief requirements that the U.S. military could meet.

This six-person team was composed of experts in engineering, communications, logistics and medical support. Working with a Disaster Assistance Relief Team, from Washington, D.C., the PSAT deployed to the Bhuj area and assisted Indian officials in determining specific needs for the area. The PSAT also assisted the U.S. Defense Attaché Office in New Delhi in coordinating the delivery of relief supplies by the U.S. military.