INS Vikrant Aids Sri Lanka Flood Relief with Helicopters and UAVs
India has rapidly deployed significant humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka in response to the devastating impacts of Cyclone Ditwah, which has left over 190 people dead and nearly a million affected by flooding and landslides. Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has dispatched C-130 and IL-76 aircraft carrying essential supplies and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel, with two IL-76 aircraft delivering around 21 tonnes of relief materials, including tents and hygiene kits, to Colombo. Furthermore, two Chetak helicopters from the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant have been conducting search and rescue operations in collaboration with Sri Lankan authorities, successfully rescuing stranded civilians, including families trapped on rooftops. The Indian High Commission in Colombo is actively facilitating the evacuation of Indian nationals, with over 800 expected to be airlifted to Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, as part of broader relief efforts. These measures underscore India’s commitment to its Neighbourhood First policy, demonstrating solidarity and support during Sri Lanka’s critical time of need while reinforcing regional ties through humanitarian aid and cooperative disaster response initiatives.
