India Steps Up Humanitarian and Infrastructure Aid to Sri Lanka After Cyclone Ditwah

India has stepped up its humanitarian and infrastructure assistance to Sri Lanka following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, New Delhi has deployed engineering and medical teams to restore damaged connectivity and support affected communities, reinforcing its Neighbourhood First policy and long-standing bilateral ties.

Engineering Support to Restore Connectivity

The Indian Army has deployed an Engineer Task Force to Sri Lanka to assist in rebuilding critical infrastructure damaged by the cyclone. Working alongside the Sri Lankan Army and the Road Development Authority, Indian engineers have begun preparations at key sites, including Chilaw and Kilinochchi in northern Sri Lanka. Damaged bridges have been de-launched, and Bailey bridges are being installed to quickly restore road connectivity in affected regions.

Rapid Deployment and Technical Capabilities

A 48-member Engineer Task Force was airlifted to Sri Lanka on a war footing. The team comprises specialised bridging experts, surveyors, and watermanship specialists, supported by personnel trained to operate heavy earth-moving machinery, drones, and unmanned systems. The contingent has brought four sets of Bailey bridges, pneumatic boats, outboard motors, HESCO bags, and heavy-payload drones, enabling operations in challenging terrain and weather conditions.

Medical and Humanitarian Assistance

Beyond infrastructure restoration, Operation Sagar Bandhu has delivered extensive medical support. Indian medical teams have assisted more than 5,000 cyclone-affected patients so far. India has also supplied essential life-saving medicines as part of its humanitarian outreach. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri formally handed over part of the medical consignment to Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner, with the remaining supplies scheduled to be airlifted to Colombo by Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Operation Sagar Bandhu is part of India’s Neighbourhood First policy.
• Bailey bridges are prefabricated truss bridges used for rapid deployment.
• Cyclone Ditwah caused widespread damage to transport infrastructure in Sri Lanka.
• India frequently deploys military engineering units for overseas disaster relief.

Strategic and Diplomatic Significance

Sri Lankan Army Commander Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo visited the bridge sites and praised the Indian Army’s efforts under difficult conditions. Indian officials reiterated New Delhi’s commitment to Sri Lanka’s early recovery and reconstruction. Operation Sagar Bandhu highlights India’s role as a first responder in the Indian Ocean region and underscores the strategic importance of humanitarian assistance in strengthening regional partnerships.