Post by : Rameen Ariff

Cyclone Ditwah has caused severe flooding across Sri Lanka, leaving vast areas cut off and disrupting terrestrial communications. In a remarkable demonstration of technology-driven disaster relief, the Indian Army successfully deployed satellite-based internet connectivity to restore critical communications in the flood-hit regions. This initiative, leveraging Eutelsat's OneWeb Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network in collaboration with Airtel, highlights the life-saving potential of space-based internet in humanitarian operations.

The floods triggered by Cyclone Ditwah crippled terrestrial networks, isolating communities and creating immense challenges for rescue and relief operations. As part of Operation Sagar Bandhu, India's comprehensive Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief mission, the Indian Army used OneWeb satellite terminals to re-establish secure, high-speed internet connections. These links enabled continuous telemedicine consultations with specialist doctors in India, allowing timely guidance for treating injured and vulnerable populations. In addition, the connectivity supported coordination among rescue teams, logistics management, and situational updates, proving essential for effective disaster response.

This deployment serves as a strategic case study for using satellite internet in disaster resilience. Traditional communication networks often fail during floods, cyclones, or earthquakes, but LEO satellites offer rapid deployment, robust coverage, and low latency, bridging critical communication gaps in emergency situations. Neha Idnani, Regional Vice President for APAC at Eutelsat, emphasized the importance of maintaining reliable communications in crisis scenarios, stating that secure connectivity is vital to safeguard lives and support essential services.

Despite the success of this mission, large-scale adoption of satellite internet in India faces regulatory constraints. Currently, Eutelsat operates under a limited testing license, while other global providers such as SpaceX's Starlink await regulatory approval to enter the Indian market. Experts argue that enabling satellite broadband at scale could transform connectivity for remote villages, border areas, and disaster-stricken zones, but issues like spectrum allocation, licensing, and security remain challenges. For now, the Indian Army’s partnership with Eutelsat and Airtel demonstrates the transformative potential of satellite connectivity in humanitarian operations.

Operation Sagar Bandhu, launched on November 28, represents India’s commitment as a first responder in the region. Over 53 tons of relief material were dispatched, NDRF search-and-rescue teams were deployed, and Navy and Air Force assets evacuated stranded civilians, including foreign nationals. More than 2,000 Indians were airlifted to safety, reinforcing India’s strategic role in the Indian Ocean region under its Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR initiative.

As climate-related disasters increase in frequency and intensity, resilient communication networks will be critical for effective disaster response. Satellite internet, whether via OneWeb, Starlink, or other future constellations, offers a lifeline when conventional infrastructure collapses. For India, the challenge lies in creating a regulatory framework that balances security concerns with technological innovation, unlocking the full potential of space-based broadband for humanitarian, civilian, and strategic applications.

This historic deployment during Sri Lanka’s Cyclone Ditwah demonstrates how technology, strategic planning, and international cooperation can save lives and support communities in their most vulnerable moments, setting a benchmark for future disaster relief operations.

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