India has dispatched 12 tonnes of humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka as part of Operation Sagar Bandhu, with an Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft delivering relief materials to Colombo on Saturday in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed the development on X, stating, &ldquo;Operation Sagar Bandhu unfolds. Indian Air Force C-130 J plane carrying approx 12 tons of humanitarian aid, including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, and ready-to-eat food items, lands in Colombo.&rdquo;
The aid cargo follows an earlier consignment delivered on Friday, when India sent urgent Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) materials to support communities affected by the cyclone. 
The Indian High Commission noted that India has supplied 4.5 tonnes of dry rations, 2 tonnes of fresh rations, and essential relief items transported by Indian Naval Ship Vikrant and INS Udaygiri.
"Operation Sagar Bandhu is underway, delivering urgent HADR support to Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah. India extends urgent HADR support to Sri Lanka in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah. India has provided 4.5 tonnes of dry rations, 2 tonnes of fresh rations, and other essential relief items from INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri to assist affected families. In this challenging moment, India stands firmly with the people of Sri Lanka, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to the Neighbourhood First policy," the High Commission said in a post on X.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier extended condolences to the cyclone-affected families and reiterated India&rsquo;s readiness to provide further assistance. 
&ldquo;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. In solidarity with our closest maritime neighbour, India has urgently dispatched relief materials and vital HADR support under Operation Sagar Bandhu,&rdquo; he posted on X.
&ldquo;We stand ready to provide more aid and assistance as the situation evolves. Guided by India&rsquo;s Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, India continues to stand firmly with Sri Lanka in its hour of need,&rdquo; he added.
&mdash;IANS

IAF aircraft unloading relief supplies in Colombo

India ramps up Operation Sagar Bandhu, sending urgent aid to cyclone-hit Sri Lanka

India Sends Relief To Lanka After Cyclone

India ramps up Operation Sagar Bandhu, sending urgent aid to cyclone-hit Sri Lanka

November 29, 2025 | 10:50 IST