Cyclone Ditwah death toll rises: How India’s Operation Sagar Bandhu is backing Sri Lanka

Modi activates Operation Sagar Bandhu: Indian Navy steps in as Sri Lanka counts cyclone deaths

India has launched ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu’, a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission to support Sri Lanka as the country battles Cyclone Ditwah, which has killed at least 56 people and displaced thousands. The first consignment of relief material was delivered in Colombo on Friday by INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri.

Meanwhile, an Indian Air Force IL-76 aircraft has landed today in Sri Lanka carrying 80 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel, four sniffer dogs and specialised relief equipment to support rescue operations in areas battered by Cyclone Ditwah.

An IL-76 IAF aircraft arrived in Sri Lanka carrying 80 NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) personnel, including four females, four sniffer dogs, disaster relief supplies and rescue equipment to support ongoing relief operations.#IAF #il76 #NDRF #DisasterRelief pic.twitter.com/eQDakTbh0L

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— Sri Lanka Air Force (@airforcelk) November 29, 2025

The contingent, led by 8th Battalion Commandant P K Tiwary, flew out from Hindon Air Base with inflatable boats, hydraulic cutting and breaching tools, communication gear and medical kits, as part of India’s HADR outreach under Operation Sagar Bandhu. The deployment comes as Sri Lankan authorities warn of an “unprecedented disaster situation” amid rising river levels, severe flooding and landslides.

Sri Lanka has reported 56 deaths, 21 people missing and more than 43,900 people affected across 12,313 families, according to its Disaster Management Centre. Floods and landslides have damaged over 600 houses, forced closure of schools and government offices, and halted trains and road transport in multiple districts.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India has dispatched urgent relief under Operation Sagar Bandhu and stands ready to send more aid. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the mission has commenced with Indian naval ships handing over supplies in Colombo.

Cyclone Ditwah intensified Sri Lanka’s northeast monsoon, triggering flash floods, landslides and widespread infrastructure disruption. The scale of damage prompted Colombo to formally request Indian naval assistance, including the use of INS Vikrant’s aircraft for rescue operations.

Operation details and official statements

In a post on X, PM Modi expressed condolences and said India remained “in solidarity with our closest maritime neighbour”. He added that India, guided by its Neighbourhood First and MAHASAGAR visions, will provide additional assistance as needed.

Jaishankar said INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri have delivered the first tranche of aid, with more steps underway. Sri Lankan defence officials confirmed that Vikrant’s aircraft have been sought for ongoing rescue missions.

Context: India’s expanding HADR footprint

Operation Sagar Bandhu builds on earlier Indian HADR missions including Operation Samudra Maitri (Cyclone Idai, 2019). The initiative also aligns with India’s broader Indian Ocean outreach and the MAHASAGAR framework PM Modi announced in Mauritius earlier this year.

The deployment coincides with events marking the Sri Lanka Navy’s 75th anniversary, where naval ships from multiple countries are participating, an environment that strengthens India–Sri Lanka operational coordination.