Lieutenant Colonel Anuj Singh of the Indian Army has highlighted the spirit of “brotherhood” and mutual trust between India and Sri Lanka during humanitarian relief operations conducted after Cyclone Ditwah devastated the island nation in late 2025.
Speaking about Operation Sagar Bandhu, Lt Col Singh described how Indian Armed Forces rapidly responded as first responders to assist Sri Lanka in restoring connectivity and delivering relief to affected regions.
Cyclone Ditwah had caused extensive damage across Sri Lanka, washing away bridges, triggering landslides, flooding roads, and isolating several communities from essential services, schools, and medical assistance.
Lt Col Singh, who was part of the Indian Army’s 48-member Engineer Task Force deployed during the mission, said the operation faced multiple challenges including inaccessible terrain, landslide-prone areas, and heavy inundation.
Despite these conditions, Indian military teams successfully restored critical lines of communication through detailed planning, reconnaissance, and close coordination with Sri Lankan authorities.
A major highlight of the operation was the deployment of Bailey bridges airlifted from India using Boeing C-17 Globemaster III aircraft. The modular bridges were rapidly erected to reconnect isolated areas and restore movement for civilians, relief supplies, and emergency services.
Lt Col Singh noted that Indian Army engineers worked “shoulder to shoulder” with the Sri Lanka Army and local agencies during the mission.
He described the operation as a testimony to the strong camaraderie, mutual trust, and enduring partnership between the two nations.
Operation Sagar Bandhu involved coordinated efforts by the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force, which delivered relief materials, medical assistance, engineering support, and satellite internet connectivity in affected regions.
Officials said the mission reinforced India’s role as a reliable regional first responder and highlighted the growing humanitarian and strategic partnership between India and Sri Lanka in times of crisis.
