New Delhi: India has started sending relief material and rescue teams to Sri Lanka in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah that caused landslides and flooding in the island nation.
At least 69 people have been killed and several others are missing.
As part of Operation Sagar Bandhu, the Indian Air Force (IAF) airlifting 21 tonnes of relief material, NDRF personnel and essential supplies to Colombo.
“In the wake of the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah across Sri Lanka, India swiftly launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to bolster relief efforts,” the IAF posted on X, underscoring India’s commitment to supporting neighbouring countries during natural disasters under its Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) framework.
“The Indian Air Force promptly deployed one C-130 and one IL-76 from Hindan Air Base on the night of 28/29 Nov 2025, airlifting 21 tonnes of relief material along with over 80 NDRF personnel and 8 Tonnes of equipment to Colombo,” the post further noted.
The IAF also said that “essential rations and critical supplies have been delivered to support affected communities,” highlighting the urgency and scale of the assistance.
External affairs minister S Jaishankar announced on Saturday that another C-130J aircraft carrying nearly 12 tonnes of humanitarian aid had reached Colombo as part of the ongoing effort.
“#OperationSagarBandhu unfolds. @IAF_MCC C-130J plane carrying approximately 12 tons of humanitarian aid, including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, and ready-to-eat food items, lands in Colombo,” Jaishankar wrote, sharing an update.
Some relief material was also sent by sea. The Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and advanced stealth frigate INS Udaygiri that are carrying out drills with the Sri Lankan Navy, were carrying some relief material in anticipation. The ships berthed at Colombo on Friday and handed over the material.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his condolences to the people of Sri Lanka in a post on X, describing the nation as India’s “closest maritime neighbour.”
India has swiftly dispatched relief supplies and HADR equipment, he said, adding: “We stand ready to provide more aid and assistance as the situation evolves,” reaffirming support under the Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR.
