New Delhi/Colombo: India has stepped up its humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah caused widespread devastation across the island nation. As part of the ongoing relief effort, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has positioned Mi-17 V5 helicopters in Colombo to enable rapid humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations.
According to official inputs, the deployment aims to facilitate swift rescue, medical support, and airlift of essential supplies in areas severely impacted by the cyclone.
Evacuation Missions from Trivandrum and Hindan
The Government of India has earmarked multiple IAF transport aircraft to conduct large-scale evacuation of Indian nationals stranded in affected regions of Sri Lanka.
Mission-ready aircraft at Trivandrum and Hindan Air Base are expected to operate in several sorties over the next 48–72 hours, depending on weather clearance.
Officials said the aircraft will also ferry relief material, including:
- Bhishm cubes (high-density emergency food packets)
- Medical supplies and first-aid kits
- Other essential humanitarian items
These consignments are being loaded in coordination with disaster management teams to support communities facing food shortages, injuries and displacement after the cyclone.
India’s “Neighbourhood First” and SAGAR in Action
The latest mobilisation reflects India’s long-standing commitment to SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and its Neighbourhood First policy.
Officials reaffirmed that the IAF remains “steadfast in safeguarding lives and extending timely support to our neighbours in times of need.”
Situation in Sri Lanka
Cyclone Ditwah has disrupted power lines, uprooted trees and caused flooding across several provinces in Sri Lanka, prompting regional governments and international partners to accelerate coordinated relief efforts.
India’s assistance is among the largest and earliest foreign support mobilised since the cyclone hit.
