Sunday, 30 November 2025
Sunday, 30 November 2025
India has expanded its humanitarian assistance under Operation Sagar Bandhu, as Sri Lanka continues to reel from Cyclone Ditwah, deploying additional aircraft and helicopters to support relief work and evacuation.
A C-130J transport aircraft carrying equipment meant for a National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) team landed in Colombo on Sunday. According to a senior official, this aircraft will now be used to bring back Indian citizens stranded in Sri Lanka.
The Indian Air Force has already positioned Mi-17 V5 helicopters in Colombo for fast deployment during relief operations.
In an update shared on X, the IAF said: "#OperationSagarBandhu | IAF Humanitarian Assistance As part of India’s ongoing relief efforts in Sri Lanka, the Indian Air Force has positioned Mi-17 V5 helicopters in Colombo for swift HADR operations."
The post added that its transport aircraft are earmarked for "large-scale evacuation" of Indian nationals, with "multiple missions" planned from Trivandrum and Hindan.
It also noted: "Alongside evacuation, essential relief material, including Bhishm cubes and medical supplies are also being airlifted to support affected communities. The IAF remains steadfast in safeguarding lives and extending timely assistance to our neighbours in need."
On Saturday, nearly 21 tonnes of relief material reached Colombo on board a C-130J and an IL-76 deployed from the Hindan air base.
The IL-76 carried nine tonnes of supplies, 80 NDRF personnel, four canines and eight tonnes of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief equipment.
The Navy has also been mobilised. INS Sukanya is on its way to Sri Lanka with additional aid, while two Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant are carrying out search and rescue sorties alongside Sri Lanka Air Force personnel.
Cyclone Ditwah has caused widespread devastation across the island. A recent update from Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Centre placed the death toll at 132, with 176 people missing over the last four days.
More than 43,900 people across 12,313 families have been affected.
The Indian High Commission in Colombo is assisting stranded Indian passengers at the Bandaranaike International Airport, where severe air traffic disruptions have left many without flights.
Officials said food, water and other support are being provided on the ground.
India has also moved relief assets internally. For relief efforts in Tamil Nadu, a C-17 aircraft transported an NDRF team and equipment load from Pune to Chennai on the night of November 29.
