Operation Sagar Bandhu: India’s Response to Cyclone Ditwah

In the wake of Cyclone Ditwah, India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu on 28 November 2025. The cyclone caused severe flooding, loss of life, and widespread disruption across Sri Lanka. The operation provides urgent Search & Rescue and Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR) support to our closest maritime neighbour. The Ministry of External Affairs has issued a detailed statement informing about the Operation Sagar Bandhu.

Co-ordinated Efforts for Rescue Operations

In coordination with the Sri Lankan authorities, the Government of India immediately handed 9.5 tons of emergency rations from two Indian Navy Ships in Colombo. It deployed three Indian Air Force aircrafts for airlifting another 31.5 tons of relief materials. These materials included tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, ready-to-eat food items, medicines, and surgical equipment. Additionally, there were two BHISHM cubes along with a 5-person medical team for on-site training. An 80-person special Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) assisted in rescue efforts. The government also dispatched another 12 tons of relief supplies onboard Indian Navy Ship Sukanya. A total of 53 tons of relief material has been handed over.

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Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant coordinated with the Sri Lankan Air Force. MI-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force also played a part. Together, they conducted extensive rescue operations. They airlifted stranded people, including pregnant women, infants, and those critically injured. Rescued persons were from several countries. These included nationals of Sri Lanka, India, Germany, Slovenia, and the United Kingdom. They also included individuals from South Africa, Poland, Belarus, Iran, Australia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. NDRF teams are actively conducting search-and-rescue operations in severely affected and isolated regions of Sri Lanka. They are assisting flood-hit families. They ensure the immediate safety of those affected. Over 150 persons have been rescued and assisted in these combined operations, which are continuing.

Evacuation of Indian nationals stranded due to Cyclone Ditwah was also undertaken via special Indian Air Force flights. Commercial flights also assisted in the evacuation. Over 2000 stranded Indians have already been brought back.

Guided by India’s Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, India continues to be the First Responder. It stands firmly in solidarity with the Government and people of Sri Lanka in this time of need. India remains committed to supporting the on-going rescue, relief, and early recovery efforts.

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