Operation Sagar Bandhu is India’s rapid humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission launched for Sri Lanka after widespread destruction and numerous loss of lives. The operation is guided by India's Neighbourhood First Policy and Vision MAHASAGAR. The operation involved NDRF, Indian Air Force and Navy in this mission.
Operation Sagar Bandhu
In the Operation Sagar Bandhu, the NDRF has deployed two expert teams consisting of trained rescuers and canines from the Hindon Airbase, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh through an Indian Air Force IL-76 aircraft. The contingent carried inflatable boats, hydraulic cutters, breaching tools, communication equipment, medical kits, etc. The operation has enhanced the rescue capacity of Sri Lanka amid Cyclone Ditwah’s impact across coastal and densely populated regions.
Operation Sagar Bandhu Features
The Operation Sagar Bandhu involved delivery of multi-dimensional humanitarian aid by the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy to support the cyclone affected areas of Sri Lanka. It has been carried out in the following way:
- Transportation of 12 tonnes of tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits and ready to eat meals through the C-130J aircraft.
- INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri delivered 4.5 tonnes of dry rations, 2 tonnes of fresh rations and essential commodities.
- Deployment of 2 specialised teams consisting 80 trained rescuers and 4 canines through IL-76 aircraft.
Cyclone Ditwah
Cyclone Ditwah is intensifying in the southwestern Bay of Bengal. As per the meteorological reports, it is moving northward at the speed of 8 kmph. The cyclone was located 430 km south of Chennai at 02:30 AM IST (Saturday, Nov 29 2025) which resulted in widespread rainfall across Chennai and neighbouring districts.
In Sri Lanka, the cyclone has impacted destructively causing several deaths. Along with humanitarian aid, India is simultaneously maintaining strong domestic preparedness by deploying 14 NDRF teams across Tamil Nadu (Villupuram, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, and Mayiladuthurai districts) and Puducherry. Along with this, India is continuously focusing on the monitoring through IMD, NDMA, MEA and State Governments collaborative approach.
Operation Sagar Bandhu FAQs
Q1: What is Operation Sagar Bandhu?
Ans: Operation Sagar Bandhu is India’s rapid humanitarian relief mission launched to assist Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah caused severe destruction and casualties.
Q2: Which agencies participated in Operation Sagar Bandhu 2025?
Ans: The operation involved coordinated action by the NDRF, Indian Air Force and Indian Navy, ensuring quick rescue, relief and supply delivery.
Q3: What key features define Operation Sagar Bandhu?
Ans: Its major features include deployment of expert NDRF teams, airlifting of relief materials, and naval delivery of essential rations and emergency supplies.
Q4: How did India support Sri Lanka during Cyclone Ditwah?
Ans: India sent tents, blankets, hygiene kits, food supplies, specialised rescue teams, and naval support to strengthen Sri Lanka’s immediate disaster response.
Q5: How is India preparing domestically for Cyclone Ditwah?
Ans: India has deployed multiple NDRF teams across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry and is continuously monitoring the cyclone through IMD, NDMA and state authorities.
