India Sends 53 Tonnes of Relief Material to Sri Lanka and Rescues 2,000 Indians Under Operation Sagar Bandhu
India has extended strong support to Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah caused large-scale destruction across the island nation, leading to severe flooding, loss of life, and widespread disruption. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that India has delivered a total of 53 tonnes of humanitarian relief material while rescuing more than 2,000 stranded Indian citizens as part of Operation Sagar Bandhu, launched on November 28.
Cyclone Ditwah has devastated several districts in Sri Lanka, affecting over a million people. In response, India activated one of its largest humanitarian operations in the region, reaffirming its role as the "First Responder" under the Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR.
India’s Emergency Relief and Rescue Efforts
The first phase of support included 9.5 tonnes of emergency rations delivered through two Indian Navy ships docked in Colombo. Soon after, three Indian Air Force aircraft airlifted 31.5 tonnes of relief items, including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene essentials, medicines, surgical supplies, ready-to-eat food, and two BHISHM trauma cubes. The deployment also included a five-member medical team and 80 specialised NDRF personnel to support on-ground rescue operations.
India’s efforts continued with INS Sukanya transporting an additional 12 tonnes of relief supplies to Trincomalee. The MEA confirmed that a total of 53 tonnes of material had been handed over by Monday evening, supporting Sri Lanka’s urgent needs.
Large-Scale Rescue Operations Across Sri Lanka
Indian forces carried out extensive multi-agency rescue missions in coordination with the Sri Lankan authorities. Helicopters from INS Vikrant and Mi-17 aircraft of the Indian Air Force airlifted stranded individuals, including pregnant women, infants, and critically injured persons.
Rescued people included nationals of India, Sri Lanka, Germany, Slovenia, South Africa, the UK, Australia, Iran, Poland, Belarus, Pakistan, and Bangladesh—reflecting the broad humanitarian scope of India’s mission.
More than 150 people have been rescued in combined operations so far, with efforts continuing as communication challenges persist in several badly hit regions.
In addition, an IAF 1875 helicopter evacuated 57 stranded individuals, including 10 children, from Irunguwatta to Matale, and delivered 2.5 tonnes of rations to Keagalle.
Evacuation of Indian Nationals
A major component of Operation Sagar Bandhu has been the evacuation of Indians stranded due to the cyclone. The MEA stated that over 2,000 Indian nationals have already been brought home through a mix of special IAF evacuation flights and commercial services.
More evacuation operations are underway as the situation continues to evolve.
Advanced Medical Support Delivered
On Sunday, an IAF C-130J aircraft delivered more than 4 tonnes of BHISHM Modular Trauma Cubes, which are mobile medical units equipped with diagnostic tools, surgical kits, and trauma management systems. These systems are designed for rapid deployment in disaster-hit areas and significantly strengthen emergency medical response capabilities.
Mi-17 helicopters also evacuated 34 additional people, including children, from Kotmale to Colombo, while distributing food and medical assistance to isolated communities.
Impact on Sri Lanka and Continued Challenges
Sri Lanka is facing one of its worst natural disasters in recent years. The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reported:
- 355 deaths
- 366 people missing
- 1,118,323 people affected across 309,607 families
Flooding, landslides, and severe weather continue to hamper rescue and communication efforts. Telecommunications operators in Sri Lanka have now agreed to prioritise emergency calls to ease network congestion.
India’s Ongoing Commitment
According to the MEA, India will continue to provide assistance, relief, and recovery support as needed. The operation reinforces India’s longstanding commitment to regional humanitarian cooperation, especially in times of crisis.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople
Operation Sagar Bandhu reflects India’s rapid and compassionate response to one of Sri Lanka’s most severe natural disasters. With 53 tonnes of essential supplies delivered, specialised teams deployed, and thousands of citizens rescued, India has once again demonstrated strong regional leadership and solidarity. As Sri Lanka continues to battle widespread devastation, India’s ongoing support plays a critical role in stabilising communities and helping the nation move toward recovery.
