Sagar Bandhu Operation by India in Sri Lanka

India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, arrived in Sri Lanka on 26 November 2025 to participate in the International Fleet Review 2025 (IFR).

The IFR was hosted by the Sri Lanka Navy as part of its 75th anniversary celebrations, and this was INS Vikrant’s first time in an IRF.

However, as INS Vikrant docked at the Colombo Port—named after India’s first aircraft carrier that served from 1961 to 1997—neither its crew nor the visiting delegations expected the ship to soon be engaged in a mission far beyond ceremonial duties.

A Nation in Crisis

While INS Vikrant was still berthed in Colombo, Sri Lanka was struck by one of the worst natural disasters in recent history.

Cyclone Ditwah triggered widespread rain, floods, landslides, and destructive winds, impacting the entire country.

The Government of Sri Lanka immediately mobilised its forces, Sri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) and Sri Lanka Police

They worked alongside multiple government agencies, volunteers, and non-governmental organizations.

But the scale of the disaster required international support.

Operation Sagar Bandhu

In response to Sri Lanka’s call for assistance, India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu under its “Neighbourhood First” policy.

Air Operations from INS Vikrant

INS Vikrant immediately deployed two Chetak helicopters for critical search and rescue missions, accompanied by SLAF personnel familiar with the terrain.

These helicopters operated in the Gampaha District, one of the worst flood-affected regions near Colombo.

They successfully rescued eight people from two stranded families, relocating them to safer areas.

Indian Air Force Support

The Indian Air Force (IAF) also swung into action, dispatching a C-130J and an IL-76 aircraft from the Hindan Airbase on the night of 28 November.

These aircraft transported, 21 tons of relief material, 80 personnel of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), 8 tons of recovery equipment

The NDRF teams were specifically deployed for urban search and rescue operations.

In addition, the IAF delivered 27 tonnes of essential rations and critical supplies to support affected communities.

The C-130J alone carried 12 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including, Tents, Tarpaulins, Blankets, Hygiene kits and Ready-to-eat meals

Indian Naval Relief Supplies

Alongside the air operations, Indian naval vessels strengthened relief efforts:

INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri delivered dry rations and fresh rations, whilst INS Sukanya departed from Visakhapatnam with additional relief supplies en route to Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to New Delhi, Maheshini Colonne, praised India for its timely and significant support during the national crisis on her ‘X’ account.

Global Support

India was not alone.

The United States pledged USD 2 million, while Pakistan and several other nations also announced assistance, demonstrating strong international solidarity with Sri Lanka during this catastrophe.

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