Pakistan’s attempt to extend relief assistance to flood-hit Sri Lanka turned into a diplomatic embarrassment after images posted by the Pakistan High Commission in Colombo revealed consignments marked with an expiry date of October 2024, sparking allegations that expired supplies were sent during a national emergency. The criticism erupted within hours of the High Commission’s post on X showcasing the delivery, with users accusing Pakistan of disrespecting victims and failing to inspect relief materials before shipment. Islamabad has not issued any clarification so far.
While Pakistan struggled with public backlash, India intensified a large-scale humanitarian response under Operation Sagar Bandhu, mobilising one of its strongest disaster-relief efforts in recent years. Since November 28, India has delivered 53 tonnes of essentials — including food supplies, tents, blankets, medicines and surgical equipment — via multiple Indian Air Force aircraft and Navy ships. Indian rescue teams have been operating in remote, flood-isolated regions, with over 150 people rescued by National Disaster Response Force personnel and helicopter crews.
Rescue missions deployed Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant and MI-17s from the IAF, winching stranded civilians, including infants, pregnant women and critically injured survivors. Evacuation operations have airlifted more than 2,000 Indians from Sri Lanka so far, while rescue operations have also assisted nationals from Germany, Slovenia, the UK, South Africa, Australia, Iran, Pakistan, Bangladesh and other countries.
India has committed to continued support to Sri Lanka as part of its Neighbourhood First policy, coordinating closely with the Sri Lankan government on relief and rehabilitation. Navy ships such as INS Vikrant, INS Udaygiri and INS Sukanya continue to deliver humanitarian supplies as search-and-rescue operations remain underway across the worst-affected regions.
