The Indian Navy has deployed four additional warships—INS Gharial, LCU 54, LCU 51, and LCU 57—to deliver 1,000 tons of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) supplies to cyclone-affected areas of Sri Lanka as part of Operation Sagar Bandhu. The mission was launched to provide urgent Search & Rescue (SAR) support and vital relief material to the island nation following severe cyclone devastation.
This action underscores India’s longstanding commitment to supporting its Indian Ocean Region (IOR) neighbours in times of crisis.
Earlier Assistance by INS Vikrant, INS Udaygiri & INS Sukanya
Prior to the latest deployment, three Indian Navy ships—INS Vikrant, INS Udaygiri, and INS Sukanya—had already extended critical assistance, including:
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Delivery of essential relief stores
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Heli-borne Search & Rescue missions
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Medical support and evacuation assistance
Their rapid response played a key role in stabilizing relief operations during the immediate aftermath of the cyclone.
Arrival of LCUs and Scheduled Deployment of INS Gharial
The three Landing Craft Utility vessels—LCU 54, LCU 51, and LCU 57—arrived in Colombo on 07 December 2025, where they handed over critical relief material to Sri Lankan authorities. These supplies include food items, tents, medicines, hygiene kits, generators, and other essential resources required for community rehabilitation.
INS Gharial is scheduled to reach Trincomalee on 08 December 2025, continuing the humanitarian mission with sizeable HADR consignments.
Strengthening India–Sri Lanka Partnership Through Humanitarian Outreach
The Indian Navy’s deployment of ships carrying 1,000 tons of HADR supplies reflects:
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India’s rapid response capability in regional humanitarian crises
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Strong people-to-people ties between India and Sri Lanka
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India’s steadfast commitment to ensuring safety and security across the Indian Ocean Region
Operation Sagar Bandhu continues the tradition of India’s maritime outreach, following earlier missions such as Sagar, Sagar-II, and Sagar-III that extended assistance to nations across the IOR.
Conclusion: Operation Sagar Bandhu
Through Operation Sagar Bandhu, India has once again demonstrated its role as a dependable first responder in the Indian Ocean Region. With multiple warships engaged in relief operations and a substantial volume of aid delivered, the mission reaffirms the Indian Navy’s humanitarian leadership and the deep friendship shared between India and Sri Lanka.
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Source: PIB
