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Operation Sagar Bandhu was launched as a major Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) initiative after Cyclone Ditwah devastated Sri Lanka.
Last batch of Indian passengers stranded in Colombo Airport flown back to India. (Photo: Indian Embassy in Sri Lanka X)
The High Commission of India in Colombo confirmed on Monday that the final group of Indian passengers stranded at Bandaranaike International Airport had safely returned home.
A total of 104 Indians landed in Thiruvananthapuram around 6.30 am aboard an Indian Air Force aircraft, marking the completion of the evacuation phase under Operation Sagar Bandhu.
All about Operation Sagar Bandhu
Operation Sagar Bandhu was launched as a major Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) initiative after Cyclone Ditwah devastated Sri Lanka. The mission brought together the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force in a coordinated effort to provide immediate relief and rescue support.
Under the operation, Indian military transport aircraft, including C-130J and IL-76, delivered more than 21 tonnes of essential supplies to Colombo. These consignments formed the backbone of early relief distribution in the worst-hit regions.
A significant part of the operation was led by the Indian Navy. The aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and frontline warship INS Udaygiri transported emergency food supplies and relief materials to support flood-affected communities. Helicopters operating from Vikrant conducted search-and-rescue missions in coordination with the Sri Lankan Air Force, airlifting stranded civilians and delivering aid to isolated zones.
The Indian Air Force carried out hybrid rescue missions, evacuating both Indian citizens and foreign nationals from inundated areas. The deployment of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams further strengthened on-ground operations.
Crisis in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has been reeling from one of its worst natural disasters in recent years. Cyclone Ditwah left at least 123 people dead and more than 130 missing, according to the Disaster Management Centre. Nearly 1.5 lakh individuals across 44,000 families were affected by flooding and landslides, while over 5,000 families sought refuge in 195 emergency shelters.
The first relief consignment delivered by INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri included 4.5 tonnes of dry rations and 2 tonnes of fresh supplies, consisting of staples, ready-to-eat items, dairy products and beverages.
Operation Sagar Bandhu reflects India’s broader Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR doctrine, reinforcing its role as a dependable first responder in the Indian Ocean region.
Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public…Read More
Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public… Read More
Delhi, India, India
December 01, 2025, 09:13 IST
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