India Launches Sagar Bandhu for Sri Lanka Relief

India Launches Operation Sagar Bandhu for Sri Lanka

Why in the News ?

India has launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to deliver emergency humanitarian aid to cyclone-hit Sri Lanka, using INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri. Prime Minister Modi assured continued support under Neighbourhood First and Vision MAHASAGAR to help the island nation recover from Cyclone Ditwah.

India’s Emergency Relief Operation for Sri Lanka:

• India dispatched essential relief supplies to Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah caused widespread damage and loss of life.
• The relief items were transported through INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, and the stealth frigate INS Udaygiri.
• The mission, titled Operation Sagar Bandhu, reflects India’s rapid humanitarian outreach to its neighbour in moments of crisis.
• PM Narendra Modi expressed condolences for the lives lost and emphasised India’s readiness to provide additional assistance if required.
• India’s External Affairs Minister Jaishankar confirmed that the operation had commenced and that further support measures were being coordinated.

Diplomatic Significance and Regional Cooperation

• The assistance was delivered as Sri Lanka battles severe disruptions caused by the cyclone, prompting a formal request for aid from Colombo.
• PM Modi highlighted that India’s help is guided by its Neighbourhood First policy and its broader Vision MAHASAGAR.
• Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual And Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) aims at strengthening India’s engagement with Global South, especially maritime neighbours.
• The relief operation coincides with INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri’s participation in the International Fleet Review (IFR) hosted by Sri Lanka.

• Sri Lankan defence authorities requested INS Vikrant’s aircraft to support local relief operations, showing high confidence in India’s naval capabilities.