Why in the news?

  • In the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to Sri Lanka.

Operation Sagar Bandhu

  • What is it?: 
    • Operation Sagar Bandhu is a humanitarian assistance and disaster-relief (HADR) mission by the Indian Navy to help a neighbouring country in distress.
    • The name “Sagar Bandhu” reflects India’s maritime outreach: Sagar (sea / ocean), Bandhu (friend/ally), symbolizing solidarity via sea- and air-based support.
  • Key Components:
    • Deployment of Naval & Air Assets: The first relief consignment was delivered by Indian Navy vessels- INS Vikrant (aircraft-carrier) and INS Udaygiri (warship) — already docked in Colombo, which handed over essential relief materials. 
    • Airlift of Relief Supplies: The Indian Air Force (IAF) deployed transport aircraft  a C-130J and an IL-76 from Hindon Air Base to Sri Lanka, carrying tonnes of relief material, rescue equipment, and teams. 
    • Relief Material & Personnel: Reports mention ~ 21 tonnes of relief goods, including food, hygiene kits, tents, ready-to-eat meals, and rescue equipment; over 80 personnel from National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were also part of the mission.
    • Multimodal HADR Response: Use of both sea (naval ships) and air (IAF planes) routes to ensure speedy delivery of aid.
  • Significance
    • Neighbourhood First Policy: The mission underscores India’s “Neighbourhood First” approach toward immediate humanitarian assistance for neighbouring countries.
    • Maritime Diplomacy & Regional Leadership: Through Operation Sagar Bandhu, India reinforces its role as a security and response provider in the Indian Ocean Region, projecting soft-power and maritime-capability solidarity under frameworks like Vision MAHASAGAR.
    • Humanitarian & Disaster-Response Capability: Demonstrates the ability to mobilize naval and air assets quickly for humanitarian needs- an important aspect of India’s disaster-response architecture.

Source: The Hindu