As Sri Lanka reels from catastrophic floods and Cyclone Ditwah’s devastation, India steps forward with military precision, sending its aircraft carrier, emergency supplies and a message of solidarity from Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself.
India’s aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, currently anchored in Colombo, has donated 4.5 tons of food items from its stock to assist flood victims in Sri Lanka. The ship also contributed two tons of other essential relief supplies, including tents, electric torches and charging cables. Naval personnel have been working alongside Sri Lankan authorities to load these items onto trucks that will be transported to designated relief centres for distribution among affected families. The move has been widely acknowledged as a significant gesture during a moment of deep national hardship. Communities across multiple provinces have been struggling to access clean water, dry rations and basic utilities due to the destruction caused by the cyclone and ongoing flooding.
The assistance from INS Vikrant highlights the urgency of Sri Lanka’s humanitarian crisis. Thousands have been displaced, roads remain heavily damaged or inaccessible and emergency shelters are struggling to cope with the volume of people arriving. The rapid deployment of aid from India reflects long standing maritime cooperation and the immediate need for regional support during natural disasters. Relief officials say the supplies arriving from the Indian Navy will help stabilize several critical areas where food shortages and power interruptions have intensified over recent days.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India remains ready to help Sri Lanka at this time of disaster. In a post on X, he expressed sympathy and pledged continued support as the situation evolves. He said, “My heartfelt condolences to the people of Sri Lanka who have lost their loved ones due to Cyclone Ditwah. I pray for the safety, comfort and swift recovery of all affected families. 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. Guided by India’s Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, India continues to stand firmly with Sri Lanka in its hour of need.”
The statement has been widely shared, with many Sri Lankans acknowledging India’s quick response and the symbolic significance of an aircraft carrier delivering humanitarian support rather than military equipment. Operation Sagar Bandhu, referenced by the Prime Minister, is India’s coordinated humanitarian assistance and disaster relief initiative that focuses on supporting regional partners during natural calamities.
The arrival of food, shelter materials and emergency lighting solutions is expected to ease immediate pressure on several districts that remain inundated after Cyclone Ditwah. Local authorities state that they will prioritize the distribution of supplies to areas experiencing severe shortages. Volunteers, military teams and community groups are working together to ensure materials reach families in temporary shelters and isolated rural zones.
As Sri Lanka continues to battle widespread flooding, blocked roads and extensive property damage, regional cooperation has become vital. India’s intervention, both through material aid and diplomatic reassurance, signals ongoing commitment to Sri Lanka’s recovery during one of its most difficult natural disasters in recent years.
