Why in News?

India has launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to deliver rapid humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah triggered severe floods, resulting in over 80 deaths and widespread devastation.

What is Operation Sagar Bandhu?

Operation Sagar Bandhu is India’s rapid Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission launched to support Sri Lanka amid the destructive floods caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

Launched & Coordinated by

• Government of India
• Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
• Indian Navy
• Indian Air Force (IAF)

Objectives of the Operation

• Provide immediate relief and essential humanitarian support to Sri Lanka.
• Assist under India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and Vision MAHASAGAR maritime cooperation frameworks.
• Ensure swift delivery through integrated sea–air operations.

Key Features of Operation Sagar Bandhu

1. Rapid Deployment

• INS Vikrant, INS Udaigiri, and IAF C-130J aircraft deployed with relief supplies.
• Ensures fast, coordinated, sea–air delivery across affected regions.

2. Emergency Relief Cargo

• Tents, tarpaulins, blankets
• Ready-to-eat meals
• Drinking water and hygiene kits
• Medical supplies and HADR equipment

3. Real-time Monitoring

The MEA, NDMA, IMD, and defence forces are tracking the situation with readiness to scale up assistance.

4. Reinforcing India’s First-Responder Role

India continues to position itself as the primary responder in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Cyclone Ditwah: Origin and Naming

Origin of Cyclone Ditwah

Cyclone Ditwah formed from a well-marked low-pressure area over the Southwest Bay of Bengal on 26 November 2025.

Key Development Factors

• Warm Sea Surface Temperatures (28–30°C)
  • Provided the essential heat energy for cyclogenesis.
• Low Vertical Wind Shear (10–15 knots)
  • Allowed sustained vertical cloud development.
• Moisture-rich monsoonal winds
  • Fed moisture into the system, aiding rapid intensification.

The system intensified from:

• Low-pressure area → Depression
• Depression → Deep Depression
• Deep Depression → Cyclonic Storm (within 24–36 hours)

This rapid intensification made Ditwah a significant weather system impacting Sri Lanka and parts of coastal India.

Cyclone Ditwah Naming

• The name “Ditwah” was contributed by Yemen under the WMO–ESCAP cyclone naming system for the North Indian Ocean.
• The name refers to Detwah Lagoon, an ecologically rich coastal waterbody in the Socotra Archipelago.
• Cyclone names are assigned sequentially from a list contributed by 13 member countries:
  Bangladesh, India, Iran, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, UAE, and Yemen.

India’s Domestic Preparedness

To handle the cyclone’s impact on the Indian coast, India deployed 14 NDRF teams across:

• Tamil Nadu: Villupuram, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, Mayiladuthurai
• Puducherry

This is supported by real-time coordination between IMD, NDMA, MEA, State Governments, and the defence forces.

India and HADR Diplomacy

India has built a strong global reputation through major humanitarian missions such as:

• Operation Maitri (Nepal)
• Operation Samudra Maitri (Indonesia)
• Operation Dost (Türkiye & Syria)

Regional Exercises

• PANEX-21 with BIMSTEC nations
• Samanvay-22 with ASEAN countries

These initiatives enhance India’s regional leadership in disaster response.

Significance of Operation Sagar Bandhu

1. Strengthening India–Sri Lanka Relations

India’s early support strengthens diplomatic ties and mutual trust.

2. Reinforcing Strategic Presence in the IOR

Demonstrates India’s role under SAGAR and MAHASAGAR frameworks.

3. Expanding India’s HADR Capabilities

Showcases India’s strong logistics, naval readiness, and ability to respond to regional crises.

4. Contributing to Regional Stability

Ensures quicker recovery, stronger cooperation, and better disaster management mechanisms in the Indian Ocean Region.