India deploys four more naval ships to Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu after cyclone

Indian Navy ships Gharial, LCU 54, LCU 51 and LCU 57, carrying approximately 1,000 tons of relief supplies, have been deployed to Sri Lanka. (Indian Navy)

Indian Navy has deployed four additional ships to deliver humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka after the recent cyclone, significantly widening India’s maritime relief effort under Operation Sagar Bandhu, officials said on December 8.

The Navy said INS Gharial, LCU 54, LCU 51 and LCU 57 have been tasked with transporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) stores to multiple affected regions. LCU 54, LCU 51 and LCU 57 reached Colombo on December 7 and handed over essential supplies to local authorities. INS Gharial is scheduled to arrive in Trincomalee on December 8.

What has India delivered so far

The latest deployment follows earlier missions by INS Vikrant, INS Udaygiri and INS Sukanya, which carried out relief supply deliveries and helicopter-borne search and rescue operations. In total, about 1,000 tonnes of food and clothing have been sent so far under Operation Sagar Bandhu, officials said.

Of this, around 300 tonnes reached Colombo on Sunday aboard three Indian naval ships. Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha formally handed over the relief material to Sri Lanka’s trade and food security minister Wasantha Samarasinghe.

Joint engineering effort to restore connectivity

Beyond maritime relief, Indian Army engineers have begun joint operations with Sri Lankan Army engineers to restore damaged infrastructure. The teams have started removing the damaged bridge on the Paranthan–Karachchi–Mullaitivu (A35) road in Kilinochchi, a key transport link disrupted by the cyclone.

Diplomatic engagement continues

Sri Lankan MP Namal Rajapaksa met High Commissioner Santosh Jha and thanked India for the continuing relief assistance. The High Commissioner reiterated India’s commitment to support Sri Lanka’s rebuilding and recovery.

(With inputs from ANI)