Operation Sagar Bandhu | 03 Dec 2025

Why in News? 

The Indian Navy launched Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations under Operation Sagar Bandhu in response to Cyclonic Storm Ditwah’s impact in Sri Lanka. 

Key Points 

  • Deployment: India dispatched INS Vikrant, INS Udaygiri, and an Indian Air Force C-130J with tents, blankets, food, hygiene kits and tarpaulins to support Sri Lanka. 
  • Reassignment: INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri, already in Colombo for the 75th Anniversary International Fleet Review, were reassigned to deliver relief to affected areas. 
  • Rescue: Ship-borne helicopters conducted aerial assessment and assisted Search and Rescue operations, rescuing Sri Lankan citizens. 
  • Reinforcement: INS Sukanya was deployed to Trincomalee on 1st December 2025 with additional essential supplies to reinforce the relief effort. 
  • Commitment: The mission reflects India’s continued humanitarian support to Sri Lanka, consistent with the Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, as seen in past assistance during Cyclone Roanu (2016) and the MV XPress Pearl disaster (2021). 
  • India’s Previous Operations:  
  • India’s Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercises : 

Note: 

  • Cyclone Ditwah is a tropical storm that rapidly formed over the southwest Bay of Bengal.  
    • The name Ditwah was contributed by Yemen, following the regional naming system for North Indian Ocean cyclones.