Indian Navy extends HADR to Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah under Operation Sagar Bandhu
The Indian Navy undertook humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in Sri Lanka after Cyclonic Storm Ditwah under Operation Sagar Bandhu, using INS Vikrant, INS Udaygiri and INS Sukanya, as reported on 2 December 2025.
Summary
The Indian Navy undertook Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations in Sri Lanka after Cyclonic Storm Ditwah under Operation Sagar Bandhu, as reported on 2 December 2025. Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri, which were in Colombo for the Sri Lanka Navy's 75th Anniversary International Fleet Review (IFR-2025), handed over relief supplies, and their helicopters joined search and rescue. The Navy also deployed INS Sukanya to Trincomalee on 1 December 2025 with relief material, in line with the MAHASAGAR vision and the Neighbourhood First policy.
Key facts
- Reported
- 2 December 2025
- Operation
- Operation Sagar Bandhu
- Cause
- Cyclonic Storm Ditwah
- Ships
- INS Vikrant, INS Udaygiri; INS Sukanya to Trincomalee (1 Dec)
- Why in Colombo
- Sri Lanka Navy's 75th anniversary IFR-2025
- Vision
- MAHASAGAR, Neighbourhood First
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Under which operation did the Indian Navy extend humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah in late 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Operation Sagar Bandhu
PIB 2197802: the Indian Navy undertook HADR operations under Operation Sagar Bandhu.
Why were INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri already in Colombo when Cyclone Ditwah struck Sri Lanka?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — For the Sri Lanka Navy's 75th Anniversary International Fleet Review
PIB 2197802: the ships were present in Colombo as part of the 75th Anniversary International Fleet Review (IFR-2025) of the Sri Lanka Navy.