New Delhi: In an unprecedented move, the Indian Army has deployed satellite-based internet connectivity to support flood-affected regions in Sri Lanka, restoring critical communications in areas where terrestrial networks were destroyed. The initiative, part of India’s Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission, Operation Sagar Bandhu, leveraged Eutelsat’s OneWeb Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network in partnership with Airtel.
Cyclone Ditwah caused severe flooding across Sri Lanka, leaving communities isolated and communication channels down. To address this, the Indian Army deployed OneWeb terminals in remote areas, providing secure, high-speed, low-latency internet. This enabled 24/7 telemedicine consultations with Indian specialists, allowing timely diagnosis and treatment for injured and vulnerable populations. The connectivity also facilitated coordination among rescue teams, logistics planning, and operational updates, proving crucial for disaster response.
Experts note that LEO satellites offer rapid deployment and robust coverage, making them ideal for disaster zones where conventional infrastructure is unavailable. Neha Idnani, Regional Vice President for APAC at Eutelsat, highlighted the life-saving potential of maintaining reliable communications during crises.
Despite the success of this deployment, large-scale satellite internet in India remains limited by regulatory restrictions. OneWeb currently operates under a testing license, while global providers such as SpaceX’s Starlink await approvals. Analysts argue that expanded satellite broadband could transform connectivity for remote villages, border regions, and disaster-hit areas, but policy and security considerations have delayed broader adoption.
Operation Sagar Bandhu, launched on November 28, also included the dispatch of 53 tons of relief material, deployment of NDRF search-and-rescue teams, and evacuation of over 2,000 Indians and stranded foreign nationals using Navy and Air Force assets. This reinforced India’s role as a first responder in the Indian Ocean region under its Neighbourhood First policy.
As climate-related disasters increase, satellite internet is emerging as a critical tool for rapid-response relief operations. The Indian Army’s collaboration with OneWeb and Airtel demonstrates the transformative potential of space-based connectivity in humanitarian missions, signaling a path forward for integrating technology into disaster resilience strategies.
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