India’s Operation Sagar Bandhu: Humanitarian Aid for Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka
Overview
Launched on November 28, 2025, Operation Sagar Bandhu (“Ocean Friend”) is India’s swift Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission to support Sri Lanka amid the devastation from Cyclone Ditwah, which has caused over 150 deaths, displaced 500,000+, and triggered widespread flooding and landslides. Guided by the “Neighbourhood First” policy and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision, it underscores India’s role as the primary responder in the Indian Ocean, building on aid during Sri Lanka’s 2019 Easter attacks, 2021 crisis, and 2023 floods. PM Narendra Modi announced the operation, offering condolences and pledging full support, while EAM S. Jaishankar coordinated via X updates.
Key Components and Timeline
The operation involves the Indian Navy, Air Force, and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), with rapid airlifts, naval deliveries, and on-ground rescues. Total aid exceeds 40 tonnes as of November 29, targeting essentials for 108,000+ displaced in 800+ shelters.
| Phase/Date | Assets Deployed | Aid Delivered | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 28 (Launch) | INS Vikrant (aircraft carrier) & INS Udaygiri (frigate), docked in Colombo for International Fleet Review | 6.5–7 tonnes: 4.5 tonnes dry rations (staples, ready-to-eat meals), 2 tonnes fresh food (dairy, bakery, beverages), hygiene kits | Initial handover in Colombo; leverages docked ships for immediate relief |
| Nov 29 (Airlift & Rescue) | C-130J & IL-76 from Hindon Air Base; 2 Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant; 80+ NDRF personnel, 4 search dogs | 21–29 tonnes total: 12 tonnes (tents, tarpaulins, blankets, sleeping bags, hygiene/ready-to-eat kits); 9 tonnes supplies; 8 tonnes equipment (inflatable boats, hydraulic tools, comms gear, first-aid) | Flood/landslide rescues in Colombo, Kandy, Badulla; 8 people saved in Pannala floods; joint ops with Sri Lankan forces |
| Ongoing (Nov 29+) | INS Sukanya (en route from Visakhapatnam); INS Jalashwa & INS Airavat from Chennai; 2 Mi-17 helicopters | 1,200+ tonnes additional (food, medical kits, emergency supplies); expanded NDRF teams | Search-and-rescue in isolated villages; aid to stranded Indians at Colombo airport; support for 500,000+ affected |
Impact and Response
- On-Ground Reach: NDRF teams, equipped for debris clearance and evacuations, have boosted Sri Lanka’s capacities in urban floods (Colombo suburbs) and hill landslides (Kandy, Nuwara Eliya). Chetak helicopters conducted sorties, rescuing stranded residents and airdropping supplies.
- Sri Lankan Gratitude: Leaders like Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath and former minister Ali Sabry thanked India publicly on X, calling it a “gesture of true friendship.” The High Commission noted enhanced rescue ops, with Sri Lanka’s Air Force coordinating.
- Strategic Context: Largest HADR deployment to Sri Lanka since 2022, reinforcing bilateral ties amid climate threats; also aids stranded Indians.
Operations continue as rains ease, with forecasts aiding distribution. For updates, follow @MEAIndia or @IndiainSL on X—India’s solidarity embodies “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family).