Indian Army Restores Communication in Sri Lanka Amid Floods

Cyclone Ditwah has wreaked havoc across Sri Lanka, resulting in significant flooding and disrupting ground communication channels. In a remarkable display of technological intervention, the Indian Army has successfully utilized satellite internet to re-establish vital communications in the affected areas. This initiative, which leverages Eutelsat's OneWeb Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network in partnership with Airtel, underscores the critical role of satellite internet in disaster relief efforts.

The flooding caused by Cyclone Ditwah paralyzed conventional communication systems, isolating numerous communities and severely hampering rescue operations. As part of Operation Sagar Bandhu, India's comprehensive humanitarian mission, the Indian Army employed OneWeb satellite terminals to restore secure, high-speed internet connectivity. This enabled ongoing telemedicine consultations with specialists in India, ensuring timely medical advice for those affected. Moreover, the restored connectivity facilitated coordination among rescue crews, management of logistics, and updates on the situation, proving crucial for an effective disaster response.

This operation exemplifies the potential of satellite internet in enhancing disaster resilience. Traditional communication infrastructures often falter during natural disasters such as floods and cyclones—however, LEO satellites provide rapid deployment, extensive coverage, and minimal latency, effectively bridging communication voids during emergencies. Neha Idnani, Regional Vice President for APAC at Eutelsat, highlighted the necessity of maintaining dependable communication during crises, asserting that secure connectivity plays a vital role in saving lives and maintaining essential services.

Despite the success achieved with this initiative, the broader use of satellite internet in India is constrained by regulatory challenges. Currently, Eutelsat operates under a restricted testing license while other global players like SpaceX's Starlink await approval for market entry in India. Experts suggest that enabling satellite broadband on a larger scale could revolutionize connectivity for remote regions, border areas, and disaster-affected zones, although issues concerning spectrum allocation, licensing, and security remain significant hurdles. The Indian Army’s collaboration with Eutelsat and Airtel thus demonstrates the transformative capabilities of satellite connectivity during humanitarian efforts.

Operation Sagar Bandhu, initiated on November 28, showcases India’s dedication to act as a first responder in the region. Over 53 tons of relief supplies were dispatched, NDRF search-and-rescue teams were mobilized, and assets from the Navy and Air Force assisted in evacuating stranded individuals, including foreign nationals. More than 2,000 Indian citizens were airlifted to safety, reaffirming India’s strategic position in the Indian Ocean region under its Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR initiative.

As climate-related disasters become more frequent and severe, reliable communication networks will be essential for effective disaster response. Satellite internet, whether through OneWeb, Starlink, or other future constellations, provides a vital lifeline when standard infrastructures are rendered ineffective. For India, the challenge lies in establishing a regulatory environment that accommodates security concerns while fostering innovation, thereby unlocking the full potential of space-based broadband for humanitarian and strategic needs.

This groundbreaking deployment during Sri Lanka’s Cyclone Ditwah illustrates how technology, strategic foresight, and international collaboration can save lives and bolster communities in their most critical moments, setting a standard for future disaster relief efforts.