India’s “Operation Sagar Bandhu” after Cyclone Ditwah showed its role as a first responder in the Indian Ocean Region. With the Air Force, Navy and NDRF involved, it reflected Neighbourhood First and SAGAR, boosted soft power, strengthened Sri Lanka ties and countered extra-regional influence.
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Picture Courtesy: THE HINDU
India has launched "Operation Sagar Bandhu" to provide Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) to Cyclone Ditwah-hit Sri Lanka.
It formed in the Bay of Bengal in late November 2025 and caused severe devastation, particularly in Sri Lanka and Southern India. The name "Ditwah," meaning a lagoon, was suggested by Yemen.
It was launched to provide immediate relief and essential supplies to Sri Lanka, which experienced severe flooding, landslides, and loss of life.
India has dispatched relief materials to assist the affected population. Key consignments include:
Reinforcing 'Neighbourhood First': The operation is a practical demonstration of India's foreign policy priority of maintaining strong and supportive relationships with its immediate neighbours.
Embodying the SAGAR Vision: Operation Sagar Bandhu aligns with India's doctrine of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR). This vision positions India as a net security provider and a reliable partner during regional crises.
Vision MAHASAGAR: The mission reflects the recently expanded Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), which aims to strengthen engagement and crisis-response partnerships with maritime neighbours and the Global South.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties: Timely, substantial assistance strengthens the diplomatic and strategic relationship, building goodwill and trust between India and Sri Lanka.
Showcasing HADR Capabilities: The collaboration between the Indian Navy, Air Force, and NDRF demonstrates India's enhanced capacity for complex, large-scale HADR operations.
Source: THE HINDU
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. With reference to 'Operation Sagar Bandhu' recently seen in the news, consider the following statements: 1. It was a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission launched for Sri Lanka. 2. The operation exclusively involved the Indian Navy and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). 3. It is an example of India's 'Look East' policy in action. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A) 1 only B) 1 and 2 only C) 2 and 3 only D) 1, 2 and 3 Answer: A Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: 'Operation Sagar Bandhu' was indeed a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission launched by India for Sri Lanka in November 2025 following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. Statement 2 is incorrect: The operation involved the Indian Navy, the Indian Air Force (IAF), and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). It was not exclusively limited to the Navy and NDRF. Statement 3 is incorrect: The operation is an example of India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and the broader maritime vision SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), not the "Look East" (now Act East) policy, which mainly focuses on East and Southeast Asia. |
Operation Sagar Bandhu (Friend of the Seas) is a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission launched by India to provide immediate aid to Sri Lanka following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. It involves sending relief materials, medical supplies, and specialized rescue teams.
The operation is a direct application of India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, which prioritizes relations with its immediate neighbours. It is also aligned with the 'SAGAR' (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine, positioning India as a net security provider and first responder in the Indian Ocean Region.
The operation was a coordinated effort involving multiple agencies, primarily the Indian Air Force (IAF) for airlifting supplies, the Indian Navy for sea-based transport and relief, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) for on-ground search and rescue operations.
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