India Boosts Humanitarian Aid to Cyclone-Hit Sri Lanka, Reinforcing Regional Role
India dispatches humanitarian aid and naval ships to cyclone-hit Sri Lanka, showcasing its commitment to regional disaster relief.
Photo by Tomasz Anusiewicz
Quick Revision
India sent humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka after Cyclone Burevi
INS Suvarna and INS Shardul deployed for relief efforts
Part of India's HADR operations in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)
Visual Insights
India's HADR Operations in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)
This map illustrates India's swift humanitarian aid to cyclone-hit Sri Lanka and its broader role as a first responder and net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region, covering various littoral and island nations.
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Exam Angles
India's foreign policy objectives and regional diplomacy in the IOR.
The strategic significance of HADR operations as a tool of soft power and naval diplomacy.
The 'SAGAR' vision and its pillars concerning maritime security, economic cooperation, and disaster management.
Geopolitical implications of India's role as a net security provider amidst rising influence of other powers in the IOR.
Institutional mechanisms for disaster management and international cooperation.
View Detailed Summary
Summary
India has swiftly ramped up its humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka, which was recently devastated by Cyclone Burevi. As part of its commitment to regional stability and disaster relief, India dispatched essential aid and deployed naval ships, INS Suvarna and INS Shardul, to assist the island nation. This effort is a clear demonstration of India's broader Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Essentially, India acts as a first responder and a net security provider in its neighborhood, extending support to countries like Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar, and Comoros during crises. This initiative underscores India's 'SAGAR' (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision, emphasizing its role in fostering security and cooperation in the maritime domain.
Background
India has historically viewed the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) as its strategic backyard, guided by its 'Neighbourhood First' policy. The region is crucial for trade, energy security, and geopolitical influence.
Over the past decades, India has actively engaged in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, demonstrating its commitment to regional stability and security. This role has become more pronounced amidst increasing frequency of natural disasters and growing geopolitical competition in the IOR.
Latest Developments
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding India's 'SAGAR' vision and its HADR operations: 1. The 'SAGAR' vision primarily focuses on enhancing India's naval presence to counter specific geopolitical rivals in the Indian Ocean Region. 2. India's HADR operations, such as the recent assistance to Sri Lanka, are a key component of its 'Neighbourhood First' policy. 3. INS Suvarna and INS Shardul, deployed for aid to Sri Lanka, are examples of India's indigenous aircraft carriers. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is incorrect. The 'SAGAR' vision is a broader framework for security and growth for all in the region, encompassing economic, security, and disaster management cooperation, not solely focused on countering rivals. While strategic competition exists, SAGAR's stated objective is inclusive. Statement 2 is correct. HADR operations are a crucial aspect of India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, demonstrating goodwill and capacity building. Statement 3 is incorrect. INS Suvarna is an offshore patrol vessel and INS Shardul is a tank landing ship. Neither are aircraft carriers; India's indigenous aircraft carrier is INS Vikrant.
2. In the context of India's engagement with island nations in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. India's 'SAGAR' vision explicitly includes cooperation with all island nations in the IOR, irrespective of their geographical proximity to the Indian mainland. 2. The 'Security and Growth for All in the Region' (SAGAR) vision was first articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Mauritius in 2015. 3. The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is an intergovernmental organization that promotes regional cooperation and sustainable development among its member states, which include several IOR island nations. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
Statement 1 is correct. The SAGAR vision is inclusive and aims for cooperation with all island nations in the IOR, emphasizing shared maritime space and common challenges. Statement 2 is correct. Prime Minister Narendra Modi indeed articulated the SAGAR vision during his visit to Mauritius in March 2015. Statement 3 is correct. IORA is a key regional organization for cooperation in the IOR, with member states including island nations like Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, and Sri Lanka, among others.
3. Which of the following pairs of island nations in the Indian Ocean Region and their geographical grouping is/are correctly matched? 1. Maldives : Chagos Archipelago 2. Comoros : Mozambique Channel 3. Seychelles : Mascarene Islands Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.2 and 3 only
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is incorrect. Maldives is an archipelago located southwest of India and Sri Lanka. The Chagos Archipelago is located further south, disputed between Mauritius and the UK, and hosts the US military base of Diego Garcia. Statement 2 is correct. Comoros is an archipelago nation in the Indian Ocean, located at the northern end of the Mozambique Channel, between northeastern Mozambique and northwestern Madagascar. Statement 3 is incorrect. Seychelles is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar. The Mascarene Islands include Mauritius, Réunion, and Rodrigues, located east of Madagascar.
Source Articles
India ramps up humanitarian efforts in Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu - The Hindu
Watch: Cyclone Ditwah: India ramps up aid as Sri Lanka faces worst disaster in decades - The Hindu
Ditwah highlights: India expands humanitarian assistance in cyclone-hit Sri Lanka - The Hindu
Cyclone Ditwah nears Vedaranyam coast, 28 disaster response teams on standby: highlights - The Hindu
Cyclone Ditwah impact: IAF airlifts 65-tonne Bailey Bridge to Colombo amid India’s efforts to aid Sri Lanka - The Hindu