In the wake of Cyclone Ditwah, which has caused severe flooding, loss of life and widespread disruption across Sri Lanka, India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu on November 28, 2025 to provide urgent Search & Rescue and Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR) support.
Continuing to aid the closest maritime neighbour in times of need, Indian Armed Forces have intensified their support under Operation Sagar Bandhu, launching large-scale air, sea and ground relief missions. As Cyclone Ditwah leaves a trail of devastation across Sri Lanka, Indian Air Force’s C-17 Globemaster on Wednesday (December 3, 2025) transported a 65-tonne Bailey Bridge from Hindan to Colombo to reconnect regions.
A Bailey Bridge, portable and modular, is often deployed in disaster zones to restore mobility where permanent structures have been destroyed. Its rapid deployment is expected to provide crucial relief in districts that remain cut off due to washed-out roads and collapsed bridges.
Operation Sagar Bandhu: How is India offering relief on the ground?
Visuals shared by the Ministry of Defence highlight IAF teams working round-the-clock in rescue and medical missions as Sri Lanka grapples with one of its worst natural disasters in recent history. The IAF’s Mi-17 V5 helicopters have already delivered nine tonnes of relief material and rescued at least three survivors stranded in isolated pockets.
Along with the Bailey Bridge, a team of 25 personnel, including engineers and medical experts also arrived in this flight. Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka on Thursday evening (December 4, 2025) informed that Indian field engineers who arrived last night with Bailey Bridge units have reached the site for reconnaissance.
“They are now working to restore vital road connectivity along key routes damaged in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah, helping reopen access for communities in need.”
These operations come as Sri Lanka battles widespread flooding, mudslides, and severe infrastructure damage. With multiple regions submerged, Indian teams are supporting local authorities in stabilising essential services and delivering life-saving supplies.
How severe is the impact of Cyclone Ditwah on Sri Lanka?
Cyclone Ditwah has triggered catastrophic destruction since making landfall on November 25. By Wednesday evening, Sri Lanka confirmed 479 deaths, while 22 of its 25 administrative districts have been declared disaster zones. Government data shows the human toll: 1.4 million people affected, over 2,33,000 residents displaced, and 1,441 relief centres are operating at full capacity.
Entire communities have been left without food, power and communication links, prompting an urgent need for international support. For Sri Lanka, India’s rapid mobilisation has become a vital lifeline.
Op Sagar Bandhu: How does this reflect India–Sri Lanka ties?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved Operation Sagar Bandhu on November 28, signalling India’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka during its hour of need. The operation aims to bolster Sri Lanka’s strained disaster-response machinery with Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) support.
According to the Indian High Commission in Colombo, India’s assistance encompasses medical supplies, engineering support, emergency shelters, transport assets, and evacuation missions—reflecting New Delhi’s proactive role as a first responder in the Indian Ocean Region.
India’s swift response under Operation Sagar Bandhu underscores its role as Sri Lanka’s closest maritime partner and first responder in regional crises. From tsunami relief in 2004 to COVID-19 support and economic assistance in 2022, New Delhi has consistently demonstrated its readiness to assist Colombo in times of adversity.