India Launches Operation Sagar Bandhu to Aid Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah
India has launched Operation Sagar Bandhu, a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief initiative, to support Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah caused severe flooding, landslides, and disruption across the island nation. The operation aims to provide urgent search and rescue, and humanitarian assistance to those affected.
Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, India has delivered 53 tons of relief material, including food, tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, and medical supplies. The Indian Air Force has deployed three aircraft to airlift relief materials, while the Indian Navy has dispatched ships, including INS Vikrant and INS Sukanya, to transport aid.
The Indian Air Force, in coordination with the Sri Lankan Air Force, has conducted extensive rescue operations, airlifting stranded people, including pregnant women, infants, and critically injured individuals. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are carrying out search-and-rescue operations in severely affected regions, assisting flood-hit families and ensuring their immediate safety.
Over 150 people have been rescued and assisted in these combined operations, which are continuing. India has also evacuated over 2,000 stranded Indian nationals via special Indian Air Force flights and commercial flights.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed condolences for the loss of lives in Sri Lanka and assured India’s support to the island nation. The operation is guided by India’s Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, demonstrating India’s commitment to standing firmly with Sri Lanka in its hour of need.
