India, Dec 02 : India has dispatched 53 tonnes of relief material to Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu, launched as an emergency response to Cyclone Ditwah, which has caused extensive devastation across the island nation.
Sri Lanka has reported at least 334 deaths, with nearly 400 people missing, as authorities struggle to manage rising floodwaters in parts of Colombo following the cyclone’s destructive landfall, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC). More heavy rain is expected in the coming days.
Operation Sagar Bandhu: India Mobilises Multi-agency Relief Effort
According to an official release, India activated Operation Sagar Bandhu on 28 November 2025 to provide urgent Search & Rescue and Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR). The coordinated response includes:
9.5 tonnes of emergency rations delivered by two Indian Navy ships in Colombo.
31.5 tonnes of relief material airlifted by three Indian Air Force aircraft, including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, ready-to-eat meals, medicines and surgical supplies.
Deployment of two BHISHM cubes, a five-member medical team for on-site training, and an 80-member NDRF Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team.
An additional 12 tonnes of aid sent aboard INS Sukanya to Trincomalee.
In total, 53 tonnes of relief supplies have been handed over to Sri Lankan authorities.
Large-Scale Search and Rescue Operations Underway
Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant and MI-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force, working with the Sri Lankan Air Force, have been conducting extensive rescue missions. They have airlifted stranded civilians, including pregnant women, infants and critically injured persons. Those rescued include nationals from Sri Lanka, India and several other countries, such as Germany, Slovenia, the UK, South Africa, Poland, Belarus, Iran, Australia, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
NDRF teams are operating in several severely affected and cut-off regions, assisting flood-hit families and ensuring immediate safety. So far, 121 people have been rescued through combined operations.
Evacuation of Indian Nationals
India has also evacuated its stranded citizens using three special IAF flights and three commercial aircraft, bringing back nearly 1,500 Indians impacted by Cyclone Ditwah.
India Reaffirms Role as ‘First Responder’
The statement emphasised that, in line with India’s Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, the country remains committed to being the First Responder in the region. India continues to stand in solidarity with Sri Lanka and supports ongoing rescue, relief and early recovery efforts.