India continues providing emergency HADR support to Sri Lanka

New Delhi, Dec 9: India has been working closely with Sri Lankan authorities to deliver urgent humanitarian assistance, early-recovery support, and critical supplies, including to areas that were initially cut off.

India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu on 28 November 2025, stepping in as the first responder after Cyclone Ditwah devastated large parts of Sri Lanka.

Under its Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR,  Since the start of the operation, India has rapidly deployed specialised search-and-rescue teams, medical personnel, engineering units, and essential equipment such as BHISHM trauma cubes and Bailey bridge systems. An Indian Army field hospital has also been set up to support emergency medical needs.

Major relief efforts so far include: Within the first 72 hours, India delivered 53 tonnes of emergency relief material and deployed multiple search-and-rescue and medical teams. On 28 November, INS Vikrant and INS Udayagiri delivered 9.5 tonnes of dry rations in Colombo.On 29–30 November, three Indian Air Force aircraft (two C-130J and one IL-76) transported 31.5 tonnes of relief items, including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, essential medicines, two BHISHM Modular Trauma Cubes, an Aarogya Maitri medical team, and two specialised NDRF Urban Search and Rescue units.

On 1 December, INS Sukanya delivered another 12 tonnes of essential supplies to Trincomalee. On 2 December, an IAF C-17 Globemaster airlifted a modular Indian Army field hospital—complete with ambulances, trauma units, operating theatres, and 73 personnel—along with 500 mobile water purification units. On 6 December, the Government of India facilitated the transport of 997 tonnes of dry rations and relief materials provided by the Tamil Nadu government. Three Indian Navy landing craft—INS L51, L54, and L57—transported 352 tonnes from Tuticorin to Colombo, arriving on 7 December. INS Gharial carried a further 645 tonnes from Chennai to Trincomalee, arriving on 8 December. Operation Sagar Bandhu continues as India expands its assistance to support Sri Lanka’s recovery from one of its most destructive cyclones in recent years.