Sri Lanka was devastated by Cyclone Ditva. Hundreds of people lost their lives. In this context, India, following the 'Neighborhood First' policy, launched a humanitarian assistance operation under the name 'Operation Sagar Bandhu'. The cyclone hit the coast on November 27, and on November 29, the Indian Air Force airlifted 12 tonnes of aid to Colombo. Earlier, on November 28, it had also sent emergency HADR supplies.