Indian Navy Sends Four More Ships to Sri Lanka Under Operation Sagar Bandhu

Operation Sagar Bandhu was launched as a rapid-response humanitarian mission to assist Sri Lanka in rescue operations, supply essential relief material, and support rehabilitation efforts in cyclone-hit regions.

In a major boost to the ongoing Operation Sagar Bandhu, the Indian Navy has deployed four additional ships — INS Gharial, LCU 54, LCU 51, and LCU 57 — to deliver critical Search & Rescue (SAR) and Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR) support to Sri Lanka following the catastrophic cyclone that struck the island nation.

Operation Sagar Bandhu was launched as a rapid-response humanitarian mission to assist Sri Lanka in rescue operations, supply essential relief material, and support rehabilitation efforts in cyclone-hit regions. India’s assistance underscores the close, longstanding partnership between the two nations and New Delhi’s priority to safeguard the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Earlier Relief Efforts by Indian Navy

Before this deployment, frontline Indian naval platforms — INS Vikrant, INS Udaygiri, and INS Sukanya — had already extended significant support, including:

• Delivery of emergency relief stores

• Heli-borne search and rescue operations

• Medical assistance and evacuation support

• Aerial assessment of damage in inaccessible areas

These assets enabled rapid outreach to remote and severely impacted coastal communities.

Newly Deployed Ships Deliver Critical Aid

The three Landing Craft Utility vessels — LCU 54, LCU 51, and LCU 57 — reached Colombo on the morning of 7 December 2025, handing over urgently required supplies to Sri Lankan authorities. LCUs are exceptionally suited for shallow waters and beaching operations, making them ideal for disaster-hit areas where infrastructure is damaged.

INS Gharial, a versatile amphibious warfare ship carrying additional relief stores, is scheduled to arrive at Trincomalee on 8 December 2025 to continue distribution of humanitarian aid.

1000 Tons of Relief Supplies for Cyclone-Affected Regions

Across all vessels deployed under Operation Sagar Bandhu, India has provided 1,000 tons of essential supplies, including:

• Food packets, drinking water & dry rations

• Medical kits and emergency medicines

• Shelter materials such as tents and tarpaulins

• Power generators and communication equipment

• Hygiene kits and clothing

• Repair tools for rebuilding damaged homes and facilities

These resources are aimed at supporting immediate survival needs as well as enabling short-term rehabilitation efforts.

Deepening India–Sri Lanka Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region

The expanded HADR deployment reaffirms:

• India’s Neighbourhood First policy

• Strong people-to-people ties

• India’s strategic commitment to stability and humanitarian responsiveness in the IOR

• The Indian Navy’s growing role as a first responder in regional crises

Each deployment under Operation Sagar Bandhu reflects India’s ability to mobilize quickly, coordinate effectively, and extend compassionate support to partner nations in distress.