In a significant display of regional solidarity and humanitarian commitment, the Indian Army announced on Tuesday the deployment of an integrated task force under Operation Sagar Bandhu to assist Sri Lanka in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah. The force, a high-readiness, self-contained composite Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) contingent, is tasked with providing critical relief, restoring essential services, and supporting families affected by the cyclone.

The Indian Army, in a statement on X, reaffirmed its commitment to Sri Lanka, saying the mission embodies India’s civilisational pledge of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ — the world is one family. The force being deployed hails from the Shatrujeet Brigade, renowned for its operational readiness and expertise in disaster response. Its integrated composition allows for rapid deployment, flexibility in operations, and the ability to operate independently in challenging conditions.

Cyclone Ditwah struck Sri Lanka in late November, unleashing severe floods, landslides, and widespread infrastructure damage, resulting in significant loss of life and displacing thousands of residents. According to official reports, as of Monday, the disaster had claimed 390 lives, with 352 people reported missing, leaving several districts isolated and overwhelming the local disaster-response mechanisms. The cyclone disrupted power, communication, transport, and access to essential services, necessitating urgent humanitarian intervention.

India’s response through Operation Sagar Bandhu was launched on November 28, soon after the cyclone hit. The operation reflects India’s longstanding policy of Neighbourhood First, aimed at strengthening regional resilience and cooperation, particularly in times of crisis. Within days, India dispatched substantial relief material by both air and sea, showcasing its logistical capabilities and operational preparedness in humanitarian crises.

By the end of the first week of operations, India had delivered 53 tonnes of relief material to Sri Lanka. This included essential supplies such as tents, tarpaulins, blankets, ready-to-eat food items, hygiene kits, medicines, and surgical equipment. The Indian Air Force (IAF) played a crucial role in delivering aid to remote and inaccessible areas, airlifting and air-dropping nearly 6 tonnes of critical supplies while rescuing 96 people, including 11 children and five critically injured individuals from Kotmale, Irunguwatta, and Ganthuna, ensuring their safe relocation to secure zones.

On the maritime front, India’s naval forces swiftly joined the relief efforts. INS Sukanya, a frontline naval platform, entered Trincomalee with relief material, complementing the ongoing air and sea operations. Notably, two Indian Navy ships — the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and frigate INS Udyagiri — which were already stationed in Colombo for an international fleet review marking the 75th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Navy, were repurposed at short notice to provide immediate relief assistance, delivering 9.5 tonnes of emergency rations to those affected. The seamless integration of naval and aerial operations highlights India’s capability to mobilise multi-domain resources swiftly in humanitarian emergencies.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted that these efforts are being conducted in close coordination with Sri Lankan authorities, ensuring aid reaches the most affected areas efficiently. The integrated task force’s operations encompass not just delivery of supplies, but also restoration of essential services, medical support, and assistance to families, reflecting a comprehensive approach to disaster relief.

Operation Sagar Bandhu demonstrates India’s preparedness and commitment to regional humanitarian assistance, leveraging its military’s operational efficiency and logistical capabilities. The Shatrujeet Brigade’s deployment is designed to function as a self-contained contingent, capable of immediate response without requiring extensive local support. Such rapid deployment is particularly critical in scenarios where local infrastructure has been severely damaged, roads and communication lines are disrupted, and immediate medical attention is required for vulnerable populations.

The Indian Army, together with the IAF and the Navy, has established an operational synergy that allows for simultaneous air and sea operations, maximizing reach and minimizing delays in relief distribution. The IAF’s strategic airlift capacity and precision air-dropping capabilities ensure that even communities in geographically challenging regions receive timely aid, while naval deployments provide the advantage of transporting larger consignments of essential supplies.

Beyond immediate disaster relief, Operation Sagar Bandhu also underscores India’s emphasis on building resilient regional partnerships. Sri Lanka, as India’s closest maritime neighbour, relies heavily on prompt support during emergencies, and India’s swift response is a testament to bilateral ties and mutual commitment in times of crisis. By providing both humanitarian assistance and operational support, India is reinforcing its role as a trusted partner in South Asia, particularly in disaster management and relief operations.

The operation is ongoing, with Indian forces continuously assessing ground conditions to deploy aid where it is most needed. The army contingent, alongside air and naval support, is expected to play a pivotal role in rehabilitation efforts, including the restoration of essential utilities, temporary shelters, and access to healthcare facilities. The integrated task force’s presence also facilitates coordination with local disaster management authorities, ensuring that the response aligns with broader relief strategies and maximizes the impact of assistance delivered.

The humanitarian crisis in Sri Lanka caused by Cyclone Ditwah has posed significant challenges. Floods and landslides have damaged homes, schools, hospitals, and transport networks, leaving thousands displaced. In this scenario, India’s Operation Sagar Bandhu serves as a lifeline, providing not only material aid but also strategic support to stabilize affected regions. The operation reflects the Indian Army’s dual role as a defensive force and a humanitarian actor, demonstrating its capacity to adapt to multifaceted roles in complex emergencies.

In conclusion, the deployment of an integrated Indian Army task force under Operation Sagar Bandhu represents a comprehensive, multi-domain response to a large-scale natural disaster, highlighting India’s commitment to its regional neighbours. By providing critical relief, restoring essential services, and supporting affected families in Sri Lanka, the operation reinforces India’s Neighbourhood First policy and embodies the philosophical principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. With continued air, sea, and ground operations, the Indian forces are ensuring that humanitarian assistance reaches those most in need, contributing to the stabilization and recovery of cyclone-affected regions and strengthening India’s standing as a reliable partner in regional disaster management.