India's Operation Sagar Bandhu: A Beacon of Hope for Sri Lanka in Times of Crisis
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India has intensified its relief efforts in Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah, with Operation Sagar Bandhu serving as a testament to the deep emotional bonds between the two nations. The Indian government has pledged its commitment to continue working with Sri Lankan authorities to ensure early recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction. In a significant development, four modular Bailey bridge systems and specialized teams from the Indian Army Engineers were airlifted by four IAF C-17 Globemaster aircraft between December 3 and December 9. These rapidly-installable bridges will enable the restoration of critical connectivity links, facilitating access to relief supplies for affected areas. Launched on November 28, Operation Sagar Bandhu has been a vital response to the devastating cyclone, providing urgent humanitarian assistance and disaster relief support to Sri Lanka. The Indian government's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and 'Vision MAHASAGAR' have guided its efforts, with a focus on mutual support and regional cooperation. Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, India has delivered life-saving assistance, essential relief supplies, and critical early-recovery capabilities across Sri Lanka. This has included dispatching emergency relief material by air and sea, deploying search and rescue units, medical and engineering equipment, and setting up an Indian Army field hospital. The Aarogya Maitri team has been instrumental in providing medical assistance, with its BHISHM Cubes deployed to provide urgently-needed support. The team has also trained Sri Lankan Air Force medical officers to enable further deployment of the BHISHM Cubes. Key statistics from the relief efforts include: - Over 450 persons rescued and assisted - 3,388 persons treated at the Indian Army field hospital - 53 tonnes of emergency relief material delivered within the first three days - 997 tonnes of dry rations and other relief material facilitated by the Indian government India's swift response has been crucial in addressing the crisis, with the country's elite National Disaster Response Force deployed to Sri Lanka. The Indian Navy has also played a significant role, facilitating the sealift of relief material and conducting search and rescue operations. As the relief efforts continue, India remains committed to supporting Sri Lanka in its time of need, with Operation Sagar Bandhu serving as a shining example of the deep emotional bonds between the two nations.
