Humanitarian Diplomacy: India’s Operation Sagar Bandhu Strengthens Bilateral Ties With Sri Lanka

India has stepped forward in solidarity with Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah wreaked havoc across the island nation, claiming at least 56 lives and displacing thousands. On November 28, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed heartfelt condolences to the people of Sri Lanka and announced the launch of Operation Sagar Bandhu, a humanitarian mission to deliver urgent relief supplies.

Key Highlights

Cyclone Impact: Cyclone Ditwah, a powerful Category 4 storm, battered Sri Lanka’s western coastline, triggering floods and landslides that devastated homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods. Over 43,900 people from 12,313 families have been affected.

Operation Sagar Bandhu: India dispatched emergency relief materials under this mission, with INS Vikrant and INS Udaigiri delivering consignments to Colombo. The operation underscores India’s Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) capabilities.

PM Modi’s Condolences: In a message on X, Modi said, “My heartfelt condolences to the people of Sri Lanka who have lost their loved ones due to Cyclone Ditwah. I pray for the safety, comfort and swift recovery of all affected families.” He reaffirmed India’s readiness to scale up aid if required.

Diplomatic Solidarity: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted that Operation Sagar Bandhu reflects India’s Neighbourhood First policy, strengthening ties with its closest maritime neighbor.

Regional Preparedness: The cyclone is now moving toward India, with Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh bracing for impact. Authorities are on high alert, reviewing evacuation and disaster management plans.

Broader Significance

Operation Sagar Bandhu builds on India’s tradition of maritime humanitarian missions, following earlier initiatives like Operation Sagar Aarogya and Operation Sagar Samriddhi. It demonstrates India’s role as a first responder in the Indian Ocean region, combining strategic diplomacy with humanitarian outreach. For Sri Lanka, the aid provides immediate relief and reinforces bilateral trust during a time of crisis.

India’s swift response highlights the importance of regional cooperation in disaster management, especially as climate change intensifies extreme weather events across South Asia.

Sources: Livemint, News18, Hindustan Times, Financial Express