Reaffirming its role as the region’s foremost first responder, India has launched Operation Sagar Bandhu, a comprehensive Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission, to support Sri Lanka as the island country reels under the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
The operation, coordinated by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Indian Navy, and the Indian Air Force (IAF), has dramatically expanded over the weekend, rescuing stranded civilians, airlifting critical casualties, and delivering massive quantities of relief material.
IAF’s Hybrid Helicopter Mission
In one of the most daring rescues of the operation so far, IAF Mi-17 V5 helicopters on Sunday executed a hybrid extraction mission in the landslide-affected Kotmale region.
According to IAF officials, a Garud commando was winched down into a restricted area, where he established contact with stranded groups and physically guided them across a treacherous cross-country route to a helipad at Kotmale.
From there, 24 passengers, including 12 Indians, 10 foreign nationals and 2 Sri Lankans, were evacuated to Colombo, along with three critical casualties.
A second shuttle evacuated 21 more passengers, including infants, along with additional medical evacuations. Passengers included citizens of Poland, Belarus, Iran, Australia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
Earlier in the day, five teams of the Sri Lankan Army 40 personnel in total, were airlifted by IAF helicopters from Diyathalawa Army Camp to assist in rescue operations in landslide zones.
The IAF later posted on X:
“As part of India’s ongoing relief efforts in Sri Lanka, Mi-17 V5 helicopters are positioned in Colombo for swift HADR missions. Large-scale evacuation operations to continue.” — @IAF_MCC
Relief From Air and Sea
India’s emergency response expanded rapidly with the arrival of C-130J and IL-76 military transport aircraft in Colombo, carrying over 21 tonnes of relief material, 80 NDRF personnel, and 8 tonnes of specialised equipment. The first aircraft landed at 10 am on Saturday, with more rotation flights planned.
Two Chetak helicopters deployed from the Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier INS Vikrant carried out search-and-rescue sorties alongside Sri Lankan Air Force personnel.
Indian naval ships INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri, in Sri Lanka for the International Fleet Review, immediately off-loaded over 6.5 tonnes of rations and emergency supplies, the first tranche of Operation Sagar Bandhu.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar wrote:
“Operation Sagar Bandhu commences. INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri hand over relief material at Colombo. Further steps are underway.” — @DrSJaishankar
MEA officials said Indian assistance was being deployed “in close coordination with Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Centre and the Sri Lankan tri-services,” ensuring rapid, targeted support to the worst-hit districts.
The Sri Lankan Air Force also acknowledged India’s efforts: “Indian NDRF troops in action for flood rescue and relief in Sri Lanka.” — @airforcelk
PM Modi: ‘India Stands With Sri Lanka in Its Hour of Need’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and reaffirmed India’s commitment under the Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR: “My heartfelt condolences to the people of Sri Lanka who have lost their loved ones due to Cyclone Ditwah. India has urgently dispatched relief materials and HADR support in solidarity with our closest maritime neighbour.” — @narendramodi
MEA sources said India remains ready to scale up support as the situation evolves.
Extent of the Crisis in Sri Lanka
According to Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Centre, Cyclone Ditwah has caused widespread devastation:
- Over 193 confirmed deaths; 228 missing
- Nearly 9.7 lakh people affected
- Tens of thousands displaced into temporary shelters
- Air traffic disruptions at Bandaranaike International Airport
- Major landslides in the central highlands; severe flooding in multiple districts
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has declared a nationwide public emergency.
India Supporting Evacuations and Stranded Travellers
The High Commission of India in Colombo is also assisting stranded Indian passengers at Colombo airport with food, water, shelter and consular support as flights continue to be affected.
IAF aircraft remain on standby for large-scale evacuation of Indian nationals, should the situation require.
India’s Role as Regional First Responder
Operation Sagar Bandhu marks yet another instance of India acting swiftly and decisively in the Indian Ocean Region. From Nepal’s earthquake to Maldives’ water crisis, from Mozambique’s cyclone relief to Turkey’s earthquake assistance, India has consistently led relief efforts in the region.
Under Vision MAHASAGAR, announced by PM Modi in 2025, India has expanded its regional maritime and humanitarian focus, positioning itself as a net security provider and dependable crisis-response partner for the Global South.
