Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed his heartfelt condolences to the people of Sri Lanka who lost their loved ones due to Cyclone Ditwah.
As a gesture of solidarity, India has sent relief materials and vital Humanitarian and Disaster Relief (HADR) aid as part of Operation Sagar Bandhu.
Read also | Cyclone Ditwah LIVE: ‘India stands firmly behind Sri Lanka,’ PM condoles death
Posting on X, Prime Minister 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 speedy recovery of all the affected families. In solidarity with our nearest maritime neighbor, India has urgently sent relief materials and vital HADR assistance under Operation Sagar. We stand ready to provide more aid and Bandhu assistance under Operation Sagar. Guided by India’s policy Neighborhood First and the vision of MAHASAGAR, India continues to stand firmly by Sri Lanka’s side in its hour of need.”
Meanwhile, EAM Jaishankar wrote in a post on X, “Operation Sagar Bandhu begins. INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri hand over relief material in Colombo. Further steps underway.”
Sri Lanka closed government offices and schools as the death toll from floods and landslides across the country rose to 56, with officials saying more than 600 homes were damaged, Al Jazeera reported.
What is Operation Sagar Bandhu? What is the strategic importance?
New Delhi launched ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu’, a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operation to help Sri Lanka in its hour of crisis, and the first tranche of relief supplies was handed over after the consignments were transported by the Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and frontline ship INS Udaigiri.
It highlights India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and commitment to regional maritime solidarity in the Indian Ocean.
These operations highlight India’s growing role in regional disaster response, building on past HADR missions such as Operation Samudra Maitri (for Cyclone Idai in 2019). It is strengthening bilateral relations with Sri Lanka while underlining India’s naval capabilities through assets such as INS Vikrant.
During his visit to Mauritius in March, Modi announced the vision of MAHASAGAR or Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth across regions to engage India with the Global South.
The event is being held to mark the 75th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Navy. It is characterized by the participation of naval ships from several countries.
Sri Lankan defense officials said INS Vikrant has been formally requested to use its aircraft for ongoing rescue and relief operations for cyclone operations.
Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka
At least 56 people have died in Sri Lanka due to floods and landslides.
The extreme weather conditions have affected over 43,900 people from 12,313 families, according to Sri Lankan authorities.
Sri Lanka deployed its military on Friday for relief and rescue operations as the death toll from floods and landslides across the island rose to 56, with 21 people still reported missing, AFP reported.
Read also | Cyclone Ditwah tracker: When, where is landfall? Time, probable area of impactRead also | Cyclone Ditwah: 4 Colombo bound flights diverted to Thiruvananthapuram airport
According to the Disaster Management Center (DMC), helicopters, naval ships and thousands of troops are being used to evacuate stranded villagers in various parts of the country.
Sri Lanka is in its northeast monsoon season, but rainfall has intensified due to Cyclone Ditwah, the DMC said.
Sri Lanka depends on seasonal monsoon rains for irrigation and hydroelectricity, but experts have warned that the country faces more frequent floods due to climate change.
The government suspended national final year exams for two days due to the weather, while civil servants were given a day off.
A man stands inside his house partially submerged in floodwaters after heavy rains in Kaduwela, a suburb of Colombo, November 28, 2025. Sri Lanka deployed the military for rescue and relief operations on November 28 as the death toll from island-wide floods and landslides rose to 56, with another 21 people missing. (Photo: Ishara S. KODIKARA / AFP)(AFP)
Due to the heavy rains, most of the reservoirs and rivers overflowed and blocked the roads. Authorities halted passenger trains and closed roads in many parts of the country after rocks, mud and trees fell on roads and railway tracks, which were also flooded in some areas.
(With input from agencies)
