New Delhi: In one of its swiftest disaster response operations in recent years, India has successfully evacuated more than 2,000 of its nationals stranded in Sri Lanka following the catastrophic Cyclone Ditwah, while rescue teams aided over 150 additional people trapped in flood-affected regions. The cyclonic storm, one of the worst to strike Sri Lanka in two decades, has wreaked havoc across the island, affecting nearly a million residents and leaving over 400 dead or missing.

The Indian government launched Operation Sagar Bandhu on November 28, aiming to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka, the nation’s closest maritime neighbour. The operation, a coordinated effort between the Indian Air Force (IAF), Indian Navy, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), underscores India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and the vision of Vision Mahasagar, which emphasizes regional solidarity and proactive maritime engagement.

Evacuations and Air Operations

Since the onset of the cyclone, the IAF has operated special evacuation flights to bring back Indian citizens stranded across Sri Lanka. More than 2,000 nationals have been safely repatriated through a combination of military and commercial flights.

In addition to evacuation, Indian military helicopters have been deployed for search and rescue operations in flood-hit areas. Using Chetak helicopters from the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and Mi-17 helicopters from the IAF, teams airlifted more than 150 individuals, including pregnant women, infants, and critically injured patients, from isolated regions inaccessible by road. The operations were carried out in coordination with the Sri Lankan Air Force, highlighting a model of cross-border cooperation during humanitarian crises.

Among those rescued were not only Indian nationals but also approximately 30 foreign citizens from countries including Australia, Bangladesh, Belarus, Germany, Iran, Poland, Pakistan, Slovenia, and South Africa, reflecting the multinational scope of the rescue operations.

Ground Operations by NDRF

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) deployed a specialized urban rescue team of 80 personnel to flood-stricken regions, conducting search and rescue missions in severely impacted towns such as Puttalam, Kochikade, and Badulla. Multiple evacuations were carried out to rescue women, children, and the elderly, often from areas completely cut off by floodwaters.

The NDRF teams were equipped to navigate submerged streets, landslide-affected regions, and collapsed structures, demonstrating expertise honed over years of disaster relief operations in India and abroad. Their rapid deployment and coordination with local authorities helped stabilize critical situations and save lives.

Relief Material and Medical Support

In tandem with rescue operations, India has dispatched significant relief supplies to Sri Lanka. To date, 53 tonnes of essential material have been provided, comprising tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, ready-to-eat food items, medicines, and surgical equipment. The deliveries have been facilitated through multiple channels:

• 9.5 tonnes of emergency rations from two Indian Navy warships docked in Colombo for an international fleet review.
• 31.5 tonnes of relief supplies airlifted via three IAF aircraft.
• 12 tonnes delivered by Indian Navy ship INS Sukanya on Monday.

Furthermore, India has dispatched two BHISHM medical cubes, mobile medical units staffed with a five-member team, to provide on-site medical training for Sri Lankan personnel and support healthcare delivery in affected zones. This initiative ensures that immediate medical needs are met while simultaneously strengthening local capacity to respond to ongoing challenges.

The Human Toll in Sri Lanka

Cyclone Ditwah has brought unprecedented destruction to Sri Lanka. Heavy rains and landslides have displaced nearly a million people, with floodwaters inundating villages, towns, and agricultural lands. The death toll has surpassed 400, with many more reported missing, leaving families and communities in a state of shock and distress. Infrastructure damage has been extensive, including washed-out roads, damaged bridges, and destroyed homes, compounding the challenges faced by local authorities.

India’s Commitment to Regional Solidarity

India’s response highlights the country’s role as a first responder in the South Asian region. The External Affairs Ministry emphasized that these efforts are rooted in a commitment to support neighbouring countries during times of crisis. “India continues to be the first responder, standing firmly in solidarity with the government and people of Sri Lanka in this time of need, and remains committed to supporting ongoing rescue, relief, and early recovery efforts,” the ministry said.

The operation reflects a dual focus on humanitarian assistance and regional cooperation. By combining evacuation, air rescue, relief supply distribution, and medical support, India has demonstrated a holistic approach to disaster management that can serve as a model for the region.

Challenges and Coordination

The ongoing relief operations in Sri Lanka are complicated by damaged infrastructure, heavy rainfall, and ongoing threats of landslides. Coordination between Indian forces, local Sri Lankan authorities, and international agencies has been critical to ensure timely assistance. The use of both military assets and specialized NDRF personnel has allowed India to navigate these logistical challenges effectively.

The involvement of the Indian Navy, including warships in Colombo, not only facilitated rapid supply delivery but also strengthened maritime engagement, allowing for evacuations and relief missions in areas inaccessible by land. Similarly, the IAF’s rapid deployment of helicopters and aircraft exemplifies the operational flexibility required in large-scale humanitarian crises.

International Implications

The successful evacuation and relief effort by India has been widely noted internationally, reinforcing India’s image as a reliable regional partner capable of responding to natural disasters. The assistance to foreign nationals alongside Indian citizens also underscores the humanitarian aspect of the operation, extending support beyond national boundaries and fostering goodwill.

Looking Ahead: Recovery and Rehabilitation

While immediate rescue operations are underway, long-term recovery in Sri Lanka will require sustained effort. Indian assistance is expected to continue with additional relief material, medical support, and technical aid for rehabilitation. The focus will be on restoring essential services, rebuilding infrastructure, and ensuring the safety and welfare of displaced communities.

The lessons learned from Cyclone Ditwah reinforce the importance of early warning systems, regional cooperation, and preparedness in managing climate-induced disasters. India’s rapid response, rooted in policy frameworks such as Neighbourhood First and Vision Mahasagar, provides a blueprint for coordinated action in similar crises in the future.

Conclusion

Cyclone Ditwah stands as one of the most severe natural disasters in Sri Lanka in recent memory, affecting millions and posing significant humanitarian challenges. India’s swift intervention through evacuation, search and rescue, and relief material provision has not only saved lives but also strengthened bilateral ties and regional solidarity.

Operation Sagar Bandhu, exemplifying coordination between the Indian Air Force, Navy, and NDRF, demonstrates how proactive disaster response, humanitarian assistance, and cross-border cooperation can mitigate the impact of such catastrophes. For the people of Sri Lanka, the operation has provided critical relief in a moment of unprecedented crisis, while sending a broader message of regional responsibility, empathy, and resilience.

As the recovery phase progresses, India’s continued support will remain vital in helping Sri Lanka rebuild communities, restore livelihoods, and recover from the devastation wrought by Cyclone Ditwah.

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