Indian Navy sends 4 more warships with 1000 tons of relief supplies to Sri Lanka

New Delhi, Dec 8: India has deployed four additional naval vessels to Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu, its ongoing mission to provide urgent search-and-rescue and humanitarian relief to areas devastated by the recent cyclone.

The ships, INS Gharial, LCU 54, LCU 51 and LCU 57, are carrying 1,000 tons of essential HADR supplies for delivery across affected coastal regions.

Earlier in the operation, INS Vikrant, INS Udaygiri and INS Sukanya had provided emergency assistance, including helicopter-borne search-and-rescue missions and the delivery of critical aid.

The three Landing Craft Utility vessels reached Colombo on the morning of December 7 and handed over relief material to Sri Lankan authorities.

INS Gharial is expected to dock at Trincomalee on December 8 to continue the humanitarian effort.

Since the onset of the disaster, India has been among the first responders, activating Operation Sagar Bandhu within hours of receiving distress signals.

The Navy in collaboration with Sri Lankan authorities has maintained a continuous presence in the region, delivering medical teams, communication support, food, water and temporary shelters, while also coordinating with Sri Lankan disaster-management agencies.

This early and sustained assistance reflects India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and its longstanding commitment to supporting Sri Lanka during crises. With its latest deployment carrying substantial relief stores.