Cyclone Ditwah Devastates Lanka; Claims 56 Lives, Affects Thousands

PM Modi Announces Assistance Under 'Operation Sagar Bandhu'

PTI, NEW DELHI, NOV 28, 2025: India on Friday delivered essential relief supplies to cyclone-battered Sri Lanka, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveying to the island nation that New Delhi stands ready to provide more aid to help deal with the situation.

New Delhi launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to assist Sri Lanka in its hour of crisis, and the first tranche of relief materials was handed over after the consignments were transported by the Indian Navy's aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and frontline ship INS Udaigiri.

At least 56 people have been killed in Sri Lanka due to floods and landslides. Over 43,900 people from 12,313 families have been affected by the extreme weather conditions, according to Sri Lankan authorities.

"My heartfelt condolences to the people of Sri Lanka who have lost their loved ones due to Cyclone Ditwah. I pray for the safety, comfort, and swift recovery of all affected families," the Prime Minister said on social media.

"In solidarity with our closest maritime neighbour, India has urgently dispatched relief materials and vital humanitarian assistance and disaster relief support under 'Operation Sagar Bandhu'," he said. "We stand ready to provide more aid and assistance as the situation evolves. Guided by India's Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, India continues to stand firmly with Sri Lanka in its hour of need," he added.

Modi announced the MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision for India's engagement with the Global South during his visit to Mauritius in March.

Separately, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced the launch of Operation Sagar Bandhu to help Sri Lanka cope with the deaths and destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

"'Operation Sagar Bandhu' commences. INS Vikrant and INS Udaigiri hand over relief material at Colombo. Further steps are underway," he said.

India's first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and the latest indigenous stealth frigate INS Udaigiri are in Sri Lanka to participate in a three-day International Fleet Review (IFR) that began on Thursday.