'Operation Sagar Bandhu' rescues hundreds, sends relief to Sri Lanka
What's the story
Cyclone 'Ditwah' has wreaked havoc in Sri Lanka, killing 334 and displacing thousands. The cyclone has also left nearly 400 people missing as rescue operations continue for the fifth day. In response to this natural disaster, India has launched "Operation Sagar Bandhu," a humanitarian assistance initiative under its "Neighbourhood First" policy. The operation aims to provide relief materials and rescue stranded Indian nationals and other foreign citizens from the affected areas in Sri Lanka.
Aerial evacuations
Indian Air Force plays crucial role in rescue operations
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has been instrumental in the rescue operations under Operation Sagar Bandhu. According to PTI, the IAF's IL-76 and C-130J heavy lift carriers evacuated over 300 stranded Indian nationals from Colombo to Thiruvananthapuram. Mi-17 helicopters of the IAF also airlifted 57 Sri Lankan Army personnel from Diyathalawa Army Camp and Colombo to Kotmale, a region cut off by landslides and flooding.
Global evacuation
International citizens among those rescued by IAF
The Mi-17 helicopters also evacuated citizens from several countries, including Germany, South Africa, Slovenia, the United Kingdom, Poland, Belarus, Iran, Australia, and Bangladesh. Among those rescued was a Pakistani national and four infants. The IAF said it coordinated closely with Sri Lankan authorities to carry out these major rescue operations in Kotmale.
Twitter Post
MoS for External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal shared IAF's post
Together in times of need.
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) November 30, 2025
As part of India’s ongoing #OperationSagarBandhu, the Mi-17 helicopters of @IAF_MCC evacuated stranded people in Sri Lanka, including citizens from Germany, South Africa, Slovenia and United Kingdom.
🇮🇳 🤝 🇱🇰 🇩🇪 🇿🇦 🇸🇮 🇬🇧. https://t.co/z9OZ5p7691
Relief supplies
India dispatches relief materials to Sri Lanka
India has also sent disaster response supplies to Sri Lanka as part of Operation Sagar Bandhu. On Sunday, a C-130J aircraft delivered around 10 tons of disaster response supplies, including BHISHM Cubes and a medical team for on-site training and support. INS Sukanya reached Trincomalee with more relief materials on Monday. Earlier, INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri had delivered relief material at Colombo.
Twitter Post
Post by Minister of External Affairs, S Jaishankar
INS Sukanya enters Trincomalee with relief materials.#OperationSagarBandhu pic.twitter.com/PIN1jHlXaB
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 1, 2025
Rescue operations
National Disaster Response Force teams deployed in Sri Lanka
India has also sent over 300 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel and around 35 tons of equipment to Sri Lanka. The NDRF teams have been conducting rescue operations in Kochikade, Puttalam, and Badulla along with Sri Lankan authorities. They have assisted families affected by severe flooding and ensured their immediate safety.
Condolences expressed
India's PM expresses solidarity with Sri Lanka
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended his condolences to the people of Sri Lanka and expressed solidarity with the island nation. He said India has "urgently dispatched relief materials and vital HADR support under 'Operation Sagar Bandhu.'" Meanwhile, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake declared a state of emergency and sought international assistance. The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) in Sri Lanka said nearly 200,000 people have been forced into shelters due to the cyclone's impact.