IAF delivers 27 tonnes of relief material to Sri Lanka, more en route, says Jaishankar

India has upped its relief efforts in Sri Lanka, which is reeling in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, providing an additional 21 tonnes of supplies along with a team of rescuers from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

The Indian Air Force said on Saturday that two of its planes – a C-130 and an IL-76 – took off from the Hindan Air Base near Delhi last night.

These planes lifted 21 tonnes of relief material, along with over 80 NDRF personnel and 8 tonnes of equipment to Colombo, the IAF said. Essential rations and critical supplies have been delivered to support affected communities.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar posted on social media platform X saying, “A total of around 27 tons of relief material delivered by air and sea. More is on the way!”

Another @IAF_MCC IL-76 aircraft lands in Colombo with:

➡️9 Tons Relief Material

➡️2 Urban Search & Rescue Teams comprising 80 National Disaster Response Force Personnel

A total of around 27 tons of relief material delivered by air and sea. More is on the way!

🇮🇳 🇱🇰… pic.twitter.com/1YKjb0duzg

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) November 29, 2025

The relief effort has been named ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu’.

Indian Navy warships, the INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri, which were deployed for the International Fleet Review in Sri Lanka, had provided 4.5 tonnes of dry ration and 2 tonnes of fresh ration to the civil administration in the neighbouring country.

In the wake of the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah across Sri Lanka, India swiftly launched ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu’ to bolster relief efforts. Reaffirming the spirit of Neighbourhood first, India stood firmly with Sri Lanka in this hour of need, the IAF said.

Earlier on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives in Sri Lanka.

“In solidarity with our closest maritime neighbour, India has urgently dispatched relief materials and vital HADR support under Operation Sagar Bandhu. We stand ready to provide more aid and assistance as the situation evolves”.

India continues to stand firmly with Sri Lanka in its hour of need, Modi added.