India Launches Operation Sagar Bandhu: Providing Critical Relief to Cyclone-Hit Sri Lanka

India has initiated Operation Sagar Bandhu, a humanitarian mission aimed at providing emergency assistance to Sri Lanka following the devastating impact of Cyclone Ditwah, which caused widespread flooding, landslides, and disruption across the island nation.

The operation was launched immediately after Cyclone Ditwah made landfall on November 27, resulting in significant damage, loss of lives, and thousands of affected citizens across Sri Lanka.

On Saturday, November 29, an Indian Air Force aircraft delivered approximately 12 tonnes of humanitarian supplies to Colombo. The aid package included essential items such as tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, and ready-to-eat food items, as reported by IANS.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar confirmed this development on social media platform X, stating "#OperationSagarBandhu unfolds. @IAF_MCC C-130 J plane carrying approx 12 tons of humanitarian aid including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, and ready-to-eat food items lands in Colombo."

This delivery followed an earlier consignment sent on Friday, November 28, when India dispatched urgent HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) supplies to the Sri Lankan capital.

According to the Indian High Commission, Operation Sagar Bandhu has been designed to provide emergency assistance to nations in the Indian Ocean region affected by natural disasters. The Indian Navy is playing a crucial role by supplying food, essential items, and logistical support to help neighboring countries manage immediate crises.

The first shipment comprised 4.5 tonnes of dry rations and 2 tonnes of fresh rations, sourced from the Indian naval vessels INS Vikrant and INS Udayagiri, which were docked in Sri Lanka at the time. These supplies included staple foods, ready-to-eat items, dairy and bakery products, beverages, and other essential materials.

Jaishankar shared an update about this initial assistance on November 28, writing on X, "Operation Sagar Bandhu commences. INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri hand over relief material at Colombo. Further steps are underway."

The Indian High Commission emphasized that India's support aligns with its "Neighbourhood First" policy and assured that additional assistance would be coordinated with Sri Lankan authorities as the situation evolves. India has reaffirmed its commitment to helping Sri Lanka recover and restore normalcy quickly.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences for the loss of lives in Sri Lanka through a message on X. He stated that he was praying for the "safety, comfort and swift recovery" of all those affected by the cyclone.

PM Modi mentioned that India had dispatched relief supplies and HADR support "in solidarity with our closest maritime neighbour" under Operation Sagar Bandhu. He added that this response was guided by the government's "Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR." In his message, the Prime Minister also tagged Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Cyclone Ditwah has had a devastating impact on Sri Lanka, moving northward across the country on Friday, November 28, and claiming 123 lives while leaving 130 people missing amid extensive flooding, as reported by AFP.

Most casualties resulted from landslides triggered by more than 300 mm (12 inches) of rainfall in eastern and central regions. Nearly 44,000 people were affected nationwide, forcing many to seek shelter in schools and public buildings.

Military and police forces have been conducting evacuation operations, including airlifting 13 individuals who were trapped on a bridge in Polonnaruwa, approximately 220 km northeast of the capital.

The heavy rainfall disrupted operations at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), causing 15 flights to be diverted to airports in Trivandrum and Cochin in the Indian state of Kerala.

After crossing Sri Lanka, Cyclone Ditwah is now moving toward southern India.