National Times Bureau :- The Indian Embassy in Sri Lanka announced on Saturday that Chetak helicopters deployed under Operation Sagar Bandhu carried out rescue missions for people affected by Cyclone Ditwah. The embassy said that India stands firmly with Sri Lanka during this difficult time.
According to the embassy, Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant conducted multiple search and rescue sorties across flood-affected regions, helping authorities reach stranded individuals and deliver essential support. “India stands firmly with Sri Lanka in this challenging moment, working together to save lives and provide timely relief,” the embassy said in its statement.
The embassy also confirmed that National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel, who arrived in Sri Lanka earlier in the day, have been actively involved in rescue operations. The teams are reaching remote, inaccessible areas where flooding has cut off communities, safely evacuating stranded people. Evacuation efforts will continue through the night in coordination with Sri Lankan authorities.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that NDRF teams have already begun rescue and relief activities on the ground. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar added that two Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant took off with Sri Lanka Air Force personnel onboard to assist in the operations. “Operation Sagar Bandhu: Two Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant took off for search and rescue operations with Sri Lankan personnel onboard,” he posted on X.
In line with India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, two Indian aircraft carrying more than 20 tonnes of relief material also landed in Colombo early Saturday. The supplies include essential items required for emergency relief and rehabilitation in the flood-hit areas.
“Operation Sagar Bandhu stands strong with the people of Sri Lanka,” the Indian Embassy said. It added that India and Sri Lanka are working closely to address the challenges posed by severe flooding and widespread damage caused by the cyclone.
Meanwhile, Acting High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Satyanjal Pandey, visited stranded Indian passengers at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo and assured them of necessary assistance.
