India has mounted a wide-ranging humanitarian mission to assist Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah unleashed severe flooding and landslides across the island, leaving hundreds dead and large parts of the country cut off. The relief initiative, conducted under Operation Sagar Bandhu, has emerged as one of New Delhi’s most extensive disaster-response efforts in recent years.
The operation was activated on 28 November, following urgent requests from Sri Lankan authorities. Since then, Indian naval and air assets have been deployed in quick succession, delivering essential supplies and reinforcing rescue operations in the worst-hit districts.
Two Indian Navy vessels docked in Colombo with 9.5 tonnes of emergency food and relief items, while Indian Air Force aircraft transported another 31.5 tonnes of material, including tents, tarpaulins, medicines, hygiene kits and BHISHM trauma cubes, portable medical stations designed for rapid use in disaster-struck areas. A five-member medical team and 80 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel were also flown in to assist first responders on the ground.
Further bolstering the mission, INS Sukanya reached Trincomalee carrying 12 additional tonnes of supplies, bringing India’s total relief contribution to 53 tonnes within days.
Air operations have been central to the rescue effort. In joint missions with the Sri Lankan Air Force, Chetak helicopters operating from INS Vikrant, along with IAF Mi-17s, have airlifted stranded families from remote, flooded villages. More than 150 people, including infants, elderly residents and foreign nationals, have been rescued in these sorties. Indian aircraft have also conducted multiple drops of food, medical kits and water in areas that remain accessible only by air.
India has simultaneously arranged the evacuation of its own citizens stranded in Sri Lanka, with more than 2,000 Indians brought home via special IAF and commercial flights.
The Indian response has drawn widespread appreciation.
Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath thanked External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for “timely support in this difficult hour.”
Former foreign minister Ali Sabry remarked that India’s assistance had been “spontaneous and immediate,” adding, “Sri Lanka deeply appreciates this continued goodwill.”
Local officials, too, welcomed India’s presence. Moratuwa Municipal Council member Lihini Fernando said India’s swift mobilisation “reflects the compassion and enduring friendship between our nations.”
With more than a million people affected across Sri Lanka and communication lines still disrupted, Indian relief teams continue to operate alongside the Sri Lankan Air Force, Navy, Police and disaster-management agencies. Officials said India will maintain support for rescue, relief and early recovery efforts as long as required.
