The Indian Air Force successfully executed Operation Sagar Bandhu, evacuating 335 Indian nationals stranded in Sri Lanka due to Cyclone Ditwah, transporting them to Thiruvananthapuram on IL-76 and C-130J aircraft. This operation, which also involved the deployment of MI-17 V helicopters and special forces, underscored India’s commitment to providing timely humanitarian assistance in crisis situations. In addition to the evacuations, the Air Force airlifted nearly six tonnes of relief supplies and rescued 96 individuals, including children and critically injured persons, from various locations in Sri Lanka. These coordinated efforts, in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs and local authorities, not only facilitated the safe return of citizens but also reinforced India’s role as a proactive regional partner in disaster response, enhancing its strategic influence in the Indian Ocean region amidst growing geopolitical challenges.