Operation Sagar Bandhu in Sri Lanka, Features, Cyclone Ditwah

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.

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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.