India Launches ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu’ to Provide Relief to Sri Lanka

Context:

• India has launched ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu’ to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) to Sri Lanka, following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

• The operation reinforces India’s role as a first responder in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and reflects its commitment to Neighbourhood First and maritime cooperation frameworks.

Key Highlights:

Humanitarian Assistance and Deployment

• The first consignment of relief supplies was dispatched aboard INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri.

• These naval assets were already present in Sri Lanka for the International Fleet Review, enabling rapid mobilisation when the cyclone struck.

Political and Diplomatic Signalling

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed condolences to the people of Sri Lanka and reaffirmed India’s commitment to support its neighbour during crises.

• The relief mission demonstrates India’s proactive and responsive diplomacy in the neighbourhood.

Policy Alignment

• The operation is aligned with:

  • Neighbourhood First Policy – prioritising stability and prosperity of immediate neighbours.

  • Vision MAHASAGAR – India’s framework for maritime security, cooperation, and collective growth in the Indian Ocean and the Global South.

Strategic and Regional Significance

• Highlights India’s role as a net security provider and a reliable humanitarian partner in the IOR.

• Strengthens India–Sri Lanka relations and regional trust through timely disaster support.

Relevant Prelims Points:

• Issue: Disaster relief and humanitarian assistance to a neighbouring country.

• Operation: Operation Sagar Bandhu – India’s HADR mission to Sri Lanka.

• Assets Used:

  • INS Vikrant – Aircraft carrier

  • INS Udaygiri – Naval warship

• Policies/Frameworks:

  • Neighbourhood First Policy

  • Vision MAHASAGAR

• Impact: Enhances India’s credibility as a first responder in the region.

Relevant Mains Points:

• Key Concepts:

  • Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)

  • Neighbourhood First Policy: Diplomatic prioritisation of regional stability and cooperation

  • Vision MAHASAGAR: Maritime cooperation, security, and collective growth framework

• International Relations (GS II):

  • Disaster diplomacy as a tool of soft power

  • Strengthening bilateral ties through crisis support

• Disaster Management (GS III):

  • Importance of rapid response mechanisms

  • Role of armed forces in disaster relief operations

• Strategic Dimension:

  • India as a net security provider in the IOR

• Way Forward:

  • Institutionalising regional disaster-response coordination

  • Expanding joint HADR exercises with neighbours

  • Strengthening maritime logistics and interoperability

UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):

• GS II: International Relations, Neighbourhood policy, diplomacy

• GS III: Disaster Management, maritime security

• Prelims: Operation Sagar Bandhu, Neighbourhood First, Vision MAHASAGAR