Details on India’s Operation Sagar Bandhu
Overview
Operation Sagar Bandhu (“Ocean Friend” in Hindi) is India’s rapid Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission launched on November 28, 2025, to support Sri Lanka amid the devastation from Cyclone Ditwah, which has killed over 150 people, displaced 500,000+, and damaged infrastructure across 20 districts. It embodies India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision, positioning New Delhi as the first responder in the Indian Ocean. PM Narendra Modi announced the operation, offering condolences and pledging further aid, while External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted its urgency on X.
Key Components and Timeline
The operation involves coordinated efforts by the Indian Navy, Air Force, and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), with airlifts and naval deliveries starting immediately post-landfall. It builds on prior India-Sri Lanka aid during the 2019 Easter attacks, 2021 economic crisis, and 2023 floods.
| Phase/Date | Assets Deployed | Aid Delivered | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 28 (Launch) | INS Vikrant (aircraft carrier) & INS Udaygiri (frigate) at Colombo for International Fleet Review | 6.5 tons: 4.5 tons dry rations, 2 tons fresh food, hygiene kits, ready-to-eat meals | Initial HADR handover; leverages docked ships for swift delivery |
| Nov 29 (Airlift) | C-130J & IL-76 from Hindon Air Base; 2 Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant | 21 tons total: 12 tons (tents, blankets, tarpaulins, sleeping bags); 9 tons supplies; 80+ NDRF personnel, 4 search dogs, 8 tons equipment (inflatable boats, hydraulic tools, comms gear, first-aid kits) | Flood/landslide rescues in Colombo, Kandy, Badulla; joint ops with Sri Lankan forces |
| Ongoing (Nov 29+) | INS Sukanya (en route); 2 Mi-17 helicopters; INS Jalashwa & INS Airavat from Chennai | 1,200 tons additional supplies (food, medical, emergency kits); expanded NDRF teams | Search-and-rescue in isolated villages; support for 108,000+ displaced; aid to stranded Indians at Colombo airport |
Impact and Response
- Humanitarian Reach: Aid targets 500,000+ affected, focusing on essentials for flood-hit urban areas (e.g., Colombo suburbs) and landslide-prone hills (e.g., Kandy, Nuwara Eliya). NDRF teams enhance local capacities with specialized tools for debris clearance and evacuations.
- Sri Lankan Gratitude: Colombo expressed thanks via official channels and X, noting India’s role in bolstering relief amid a national emergency.
- Strategic Context: This marks the largest Indian HADR deployment to Sri Lanka since 2022, reinforcing bilateral ties and regional stability amid climate vulnerabilities.
As of November 30, 2025, operations continue with forecasts of easing rains aiding distribution. For real-time updates, follow the Indian High Commission in Colombo or MEA on X. India’s prompt action underscores enduring solidarity with its maritime neighbor.