In the wake of disasters, moments of unity often define the resilience of a nation. Operation Sindoor, an emblem of national solidarity, represents one such moment in India’s journey, where the spirit of collective responsibility triumphed over tragedy. While the operation was led by government agencies and the armed forces, its broader success also highlighted how Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in India can serve as a critical force multiplier during times of national crisis. The operation, and the corporate response it galvanized, provide a blueprint for how businesses can integrate disaster response, relief, and recovery into their broader CSR strategy.
Understanding Operation Sindoor
Operation Sindoor was launched as a swift humanitarian mission in the aftermath of a catastrophic natural disaster that struck the Himalayan region in early 2025, resulting in massive landslides, flash floods, and widespread destruction across parts of Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. Named after the reddish hue of the soil left in the wake of the landslides, the operation sought to evacuate stranded civilians, provide emergency medical aid, restore essential services, and rehabilitate affected communities.
The Indian Army, Air Force, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local administrations were at the forefront. However, what made Operation Sindoor unique was the coordinated participation of civil society and corporate India. Within days, companies across sectors responded not just with donations, but with logistics, manpower, medical aid, and technological support—underlining how CSR in India is maturing from check book philanthropy to proactive nation-building.
CSR as a Pillar of National Solidarity
India’s CSR framework, governed by the Companies Act, 2013, mandates eligible companies to allocate 2% of their average net profits towards social development. While this mandate traditionally emphasized areas like education, health, and rural development, disaster management, including relief and rehabilitation, is explicitly included under Schedule VII of the Act.
Operation Sindoor brought the full potential of this clause into focus. It demonstrated how the corporate sector can swiftly pivot its CSR activities to respond to emergencies, support government missions, and, more importantly, help rebuild communities with long-term resilience in mind.
Corporate Response to Operation Sindoor – Leading by Example
- Adani Group – Infrastructure and Power Restoration: With electricity supply cut off in large areas, Adani Electricity and Adani Green Energy worked with local authorities to restore power in record time. Their CSR arm facilitated the installation of solar-powered lighting in temporary shelters and distributed emergency kits including hygiene products, dry rations, and water purifiers to over 25,000 families.
- Infosys Foundation – Technology-Enabled Relief: Infosys Foundation developed a real-time disaster-mapping dashboard, integrating satellite data and on-ground information to help emergency services identify high-risk zones. The platform was made freely available to district administrations. Volunteers also supported the setting up of mobile classrooms and Wi-Fi hotspots for displaced students.
- Mahindra Group – Vehicles and Rural Rehab: Mahindra’s tractors and utility vehicles were used by the NDRF and NGOs to access remote, mountainous areas. Mahindra Foundation’s CSR program also initiated “Rebuild Villages” — a long-term rehabilitation project that focused on rebuilding homes, creating livelihood opportunities, and restoring education in severely affected districts.
- Hindustan Unilever (HUL) – Health & Hygiene Campaign: HUL, already known for its public health campaigns, leveraged its supply chain to distribute sanitation and hygiene kits. Their “Clean Hands, Safe Families” campaign was relaunched in temporary shelters with awareness sessions conducted in partnership with local healthcare workers to prevent disease outbreaks post-disaster.
Lessons from Operation Sindoor – A CSR Blueprint for Disaster Management
The collective corporate response to Operation Sindoor reveals several key insights:
- Speed and Decentralization Matter
Many companies had pre-approved CSR disaster funds and decentralized decision-making structures, which allowed for quick mobilization. This agility is crucial in disaster response.
- Partnerships Are Powerful
Effective partnerships between corporations, NGOs, and government agencies were central to Operation Sindoor. These collaborations helped align on-ground needs with available corporate resources.
- Going Beyond Relief: Building Back Better
Companies didn’t stop at providing immediate relief. Several initiated long-term rehabilitation projects focused on housing, education, mental health, and livelihood restoration—ensuring a holistic recovery.
- Tech-Driven Response
The use of drones for aerial surveys, mobile apps for aid tracking, and data dashboards helped coordinate relief more effectively. CSR strategies that integrate digital solutions are proving to be more impactful.
Operation Sindoor symbolized more than a response to a natural disaster; it was a moment of unified action, with corporate India rising as a crucial pillar of national solidarity. It showed how CSR, when applied with purpose and speed, can transcend charity and become a core part of nation-building. In times of crisis, it is not just the strength of government machinery but the combined will of citizens, civil society, and corporations that defines a country’s resilience. India’s CSR ecosystem has proven it is ready—not just to respond, but to rebuild.
