Operation Sagar Bandhu: India’s Swift Humanitarian Response to Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka

India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu, a rapid Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission to aid Sri Lanka in the wake of devastating floods and landslides triggered by Cyclone Ditwah. Demonstrating its commitment as a reliable first responder in the Indian Ocean Region, India deployed naval and air assets within hours to deliver critical relief material.

What is Cyclone Ditwah?

Cyclone Ditwah was a tropical storm that intensified rapidly over the southwest Bay of Bengal in late November 2025. The name “Ditwah” was contributed by Yemen under the rotational naming convention followed by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) for tropical cyclones in the North Indian Ocean.

The cyclone brought extremely heavy rainfall to Sri Lanka, causing widespread flooding, deadly landslides, and severe damage to infrastructure and livelihoods.

Operation Sagar Bandhu: Key Details

India activated Operation Sagar Bandhu (meaning “Ocean Friend”) as an immediate neighbourly response. The operation involved:

• Indian Navy assets:
  • Aircraft carrier INS Vikrant
  • Frigate INS Udaigiri
• Indian Air Force:
  • C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft

Relief material airlifted and shipped included:

• Tents and tarpaulins
• Blankets and clothing
• Ready-to-eat meals and food packets
• Hygiene kits and essential medicines
• Water purification units

This swift multi-domain response underscores India’s ability to project rapid humanitarian power across the region.

India as the First Responder in the Indian Ocean Region

Operation Sagar Bandhu is the latest in a series of Indian HADR missions to Sri Lanka:

• 2021: Assistance during the MV X-Press Pearl container ship fire and oil spill disaster
• 2016: Support during Cyclone Roanu

These actions align with two cornerstone policies:

1. Neighbourhood First Policy – Prioritizing immediate help to neighbouring countries.
2. Vision SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), rebranded as Vision MAHASAGAR – Emphasizing India’s role as a net security provider and preferred first responder.

India’s Growing Global HADR Footprint

Beyond Sri Lanka, India has earned international recognition through landmark operations:

• Operation Maitri – Nepal Earthquake (2015)
• Operation Rahat – Yemen Evacuation (2015)
• Operation Samudra Maitri – Indonesia Tsunami (2018)
• Operation Dost – Türkiye-Syria Earthquake (2023)

India also strengthens regional preparedness through joint exercises:

• PANEX-21 (BIMSTEC Pandemic Exercise)
• Samanvay-22 (ASEAN-India HADR Exercise)

Why Operation Sagar Bandhu Matters in 2025

In an era of increasing climate-induced extreme weather events, Operation Sagar Bandhu sends a strong message: India stands ready with both capability and compassion. The deployment of flagship assets like INS Vikrant for humanitarian purposes highlights the dual role of India’s armed forces – defending the nation while serving humanity.

As climate change intensifies cyclone frequency and severity in the Bay of Bengal, initiatives like Operation Sagar Bandhu reinforce India’s leadership in disaster resilience across South Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific.

Sharing is caring!