The final group of Indian nationals stranded in Sri Lanka was safely evacuated from Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo, under Operation Sagar Bandhu, following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka announced on Monday. The departing passengers were personally seen off by Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha before boarding an Indian Air Force aircraft bound for Thiruvananthapuram. As they prepared to leave, the passengers reportedly chanted “Bharat Mata ki jai,” marking a heartfelt end to their ordeal.

India initiated Operation Sagar Bandhu to extend humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah, which triggered heavy flooding and widespread disruption across the country. As part of this coordinated effort, another Indian Air Force aircraft, carrying approximately 10 tons of disaster response supplies, BHISHM Cubes, and a medical team for on-site training and support, landed in Colombo, according to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.

The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka emphasized that evacuation efforts continue through a combination of commercial airlines and Indian Air Force flights. Recently, two IAF flights departed Colombo: an IL-76 carrying 247 passengers to Thiruvananthapuram and a C-130J carrying 76 passengers to Delhi (Hindon). In addition, the High Commission is actively assisting stranded Indians at the airport and has set up an emergency help desk (+94 773727832) to ensure smooth coordination and travel.

Under the ongoing operation, the Indian Air Force also airlifted National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel and equipment from Pune, delivering 21 tonnes of relief material along with over 80 NDRF team members and 8 tonnes of equipment to aid those affected by severe floods. Operation Sagar Bandhu has effectively combined domestic resources with international relief efforts, demonstrating India’s swift humanitarian response.

Through these efforts, India has been able to ensure the safe return of its citizens while simultaneously providing crucial disaster relief to Sri Lanka, reinforcing the strong bonds between the two nations and highlighting the efficiency of coordinated evacuation and relief operations in times of natural calamities.