Indian Navy Extends Humanitarian Assistance to Sri Lanka

In response to the impact of cyclonic storm Ditwah in Sri Lanka, the Indian Navy has undertaken comprehensive Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations under Operation Sagar Bandhu. Indian Naval Ships INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri, which were present in Colombo as part of the 75th Anniversary International Fleet Review (IFR-2025) of the Sri Lanka Navy, were tasked at short notice to provide immediate relief based on emerging requirements ashore. As part of the effort, the ships have handed over relief provisions for distribution to affected communities.

The ship-borne helicopters were deployed for aerial reconnaissance of the affected areas and augmented ongoing Search and Rescue efforts, leading to the successful rescue of Sri Lankan citizens.

Augmenting these efforts, the Indian Navy has additionally deployed INS Sukanya to Trincomalee on 1 December 2025. The ship carried critical relief materials to further strengthen ongoing assistance to the people of Sri Lanka. Close coordination between Indian and Sri Lankan authorities is underway to ensure the timely and effective delivery of essential aid.

The Indian Navy’s swift response once again underscores its role as the First Responder in Indian Ocean Region (IOR). It also reaffirms India’s unwavering commitment to support partner nations in times of need, in line with the government of India’s MAHASAGAR vision and Neighbourhood First policy. The Indian Navy has deployed four more ships INS Gharial, LCU 54, LCU 51 and LCU 57 for supplying HADR stores to cyclone-affected regions of Sri Lanka. INS Vikrant, INS Udaygiri and INS Sukanya had earlier rendered relief assistance and heli borne SAR support. The three LCUs (Landing Craft Utility) arrived at Colombo on the morning of 07 December 2025 and handed over critical relief material to the Sri Lankan authorities