Background on Cyclone Ditwah
India’s Quick Response to Cyclone Ditwah: In late November 2025, Cyclone Ditwah struck Sri Lanka with ferocious intensity. Torrential rains and fierce winds triggered widespread floods and landslides across multiple provinces. Communities faced massive destruction of homes, roads and farmlands. Reports emerged of significant displacement and more than fifty fatalities, while essential services such as electricity and clean water were severely disrupted.
Static GK fact: Sri Lanka lies about 48 km off the southeastern coast of India, across the Palk Strait, making it one of India’s closest maritime neighbours.
The Mission
In response to the crisis, the Government of India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu, a swift humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) mission. The phrase “Sagar Bandhu” translates to “Ocean Friend,” reflecting India’s commitment to support its regional neighbours in times of disaster. The mission was formally announced by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar under the spirit of the Neighbourhood First policy, emphasising timely aid and regional solidarity.
Relief Delivery by Sea
Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, the Indian Navy deployed two major warships for aid delivery. The indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant sailed alongside the stealth frigate INS Udaygiri toward Colombo with a cargo of relief material. Supplies included food packets, clean water, medicines, emergency shelters and hygiene kits. Onboard medical teams stood ready to assist affected populations. The ships docked at the Sri Lankan port to unload assistance immediately after arrival.
Static GK fact: INS Vikrant is India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier and was commissioned in September 2022, marking a key milestone in Indian naval capability.
Strategic Significance
Operation Sagar Bandhu goes beyond immediate humanitarian response. It underscores India’s readiness to deploy maritime assets for disaster relief across the Indian Ocean region. Such missions strengthen bilateral ties with Sri Lanka and reinforce India’s image as a dependable regional partner. The mission also demonstrates interoperability between naval logistics and civilian relief efforts, paving the way for future collaborative disaster response.
Immediate Impact
The arrival of relief materials offered timely respite to communities left vulnerable after the cyclone. Emergency food and medicine distribution helped mitigate initial suffering. The presence of Indian naval vessels served as a reassurance of international solidarity during crisis. Further phases of relief are expected, including restoration of essential services and support for rehabilitation of displaced families.
Static GK fact: India maintains one of the world’s longest coastlines, spanning approximately 7,516 km — enabling extensive maritime outreach and support capabilities in the Indian Ocean region.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
India’s Quick Response to Cyclone Ditwah:
| Topic | Detail |
| Disaster | Cyclone Ditwah struck Sri Lanka in late November 2025 causing floods and landslides |
| Operation | Operation Sagar Bandhu launched by India for humanitarian assistance |
| Naval Assets | INS Vikrant (aircraft carrier) and INS Udaygiri (stealth frigate) deployed |
| Aid Delivered | Relief materials including food, medicine, emergency kits and shelter support |
| Policy Principle | Support aligned with Neighbourhood First and regional maritime cooperation |
| Strategic Outcome | Strengthened India–Sri Lanka ties and enhanced regional disaster response capability |
