Cyclone Ditwah, Operation Sagar Bandhu, with the aim of providing urgently needed humanitarian aid to the cyclone-stricken Sri Lanka, was launched by India on 28 November 2025. The Indian naval ships, INS Vikrant and INS Udayagiri, under the mission delivered important relief supplies including dry rations, fresh foodstuffs and ready-to-eat items among other important needs of the stricken communities. A second consignment of close to 12 tons of humanitarian aid was also flown via an Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft, indicating the fast disaster reaction of India. The act demonstrates the fact that India takes its neighbourhood first policy and the maritime vision seriously and is willing to assist the partners in crushing crisis in the region.
Highlights of Operation Sagar Bandhu
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Launched on 28 November 2025 to assist Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah by India.
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INS Vikrant and INS Udayagiri, loaded with a necessary supply of relief materials, were put into action by the Indian Navy.
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Brought in dry rations, fresh food, ready-to-eat food and emergency supplies.
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Approximately 12 tons more humanitarian aid were transported by the Indian Air Force C-130J.
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Mission implemented through the policy of the Neighbourhood First by India.
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Shows the ability of India to respond fast and its personal commitment to humanitarian efforts in the region.
Previous Years Exam-Wise Questions
| Exam / Paper | Question | Correct Answer |
|---|---|---|
| SSC Scientific Assistant (Physics), 24 Nov 2017 | “Which operation was launched by the Union Ministry of External Affairs on 14 September 2017 in Bangladesh to help Rohingya refugees?” | Operation Insaniyat |
| SSC CHSL – Previous Year | “What was the name of the operation launched by India to help Bangladesh in solving the Rohingya crisis?” | Operation Insaniyat |
| UGC NET Political Science, 11 Oct 2022 | MCQ matching: “Operation Raahat – Yemen” and “Operation Maitri – Nepal.” | Operation Raahat → Yemen; Operation Maitri → Nepal |
| TNPSC Group 2 (2015) | “What is the name given to India’s relief and rescue mission in quake-hit Nepal?” | Operation Maitri |
Expected Questions For Upcoming Exams
Q1.Cyclone Hamoon (2025) formed in which oceanic region?
A) Arabian Sea
B) Bay of Bengal
C) South Pacific
D) South Indian Ocean
✔ Correct Answer: B) Bay of Bengal
Q2. Which agency is responsible for naming cyclones in the Indian Ocean?
A) WMO Regional Board
B) IMD
C) SAARC Climate Council
D) ASEAN Weather Panel
✔ Correct Answer: A) WMO Regional Board
Q3.
Statement 1: Cyclones require warm sea surface temperatures above 26°C.
Statement 2: High wind shear is necessary for cyclone formation.
Statement 3: Low-pressure zones trigger early cyclone development.
Correct option:
A) 1 and 2
B) 2 and 3
C) 1 and 3
D) 1, 2 and 3
✔ Correct Answer: C) 1 and 3
Q4.
Statement 1: Operation Sagar Bandhu was launched by India to support Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah.
Statement 2: An Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft transported additional humanitarian supplies.
Statement 3: The operation is part of India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy.
Which statements are correct?
A) 1 and 2
B) 2 and 3
C) 1 and 3
D) 1, 2 and 3
✔ Correct Answer: D) 1, 2 and 3
Conclusion
India initiated Operation Sagar Bandhu shows that it has a high regarding to humanitarian aid and peace within the region. India is not only renegotiating its policy of Neighbourhood First in this way, but it demonstrates its ability to respond quickly when needed in a crisis due to its capacity to provide partners with relief in times of emergency in a humane, prepared and strategic fashion.
