December 21, Colombo (LNW): India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka next week, marking a continuation of India’s engagement with its neighbour in the wake of one of the country’s most severe natural disasters in recent decades.
The visit comes after India’s rapid humanitarian response to Cyclone Ditwah, which struck on November 27, 2025, causing widespread flooding and landslides that have claimed over 500 lives and displaced millions. Within hours of the cyclone making landfall, India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu, deploying specialised disaster response teams to affected areas. Indian naval ships already docked in Colombo, including the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, delivered initial relief supplies, setting the pace for subsequent operations.
In the days that followed, Indian Air Force aircraft transported tonnes of essential aid—ranging from tents, blankets, hygiene kits, and medicines to modular trauma units called BHISHM Cubes. National Disaster Response Force teams, supported by search dogs, carried out rescues in severely affected regions such as Badulla and Gampaha, evacuating more than 450 people trapped by floods and landslides.
Helicopters from INS Vikrant and Mi-17s airlifted vulnerable populations and delivered emergency supplies to isolated locations, while an Indian Army field hospital in Badulla provided medical treatment to thousands. Engineers also airlifted Bailey bridges to reconnect damaged road networks, and naval vessels transported hundreds of tonnes of dry rations, including contributions from Tamil Nadu, to ports at Colombo and Trincomalee.
Sri Lankan officials have commended the speed and coordination of India’s relief efforts, with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake describing the cyclone as the most challenging disaster in recent history.
During his visit, EAM Jaishankar is expected to discuss ongoing reconstruction support and future collaboration, underscoring India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and the shared maritime and strategic interests of both nations.India’s Foreign Minister to Visit Sri Lanka Following Cyclone Relief Efforts
India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka next week, marking a continuation of India’s engagement with its neighbour in the wake of one of the country’s most severe natural disasters in recent decades.
The visit comes after India’s rapid humanitarian response to Cyclone Ditwah, which struck on 27 November 2025, causing widespread flooding and landslides that have claimed over 500 lives and displaced millions. Within hours of the cyclone making landfall, India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu, deploying specialised disaster response teams to affected areas. Indian naval ships already docked in Colombo, including the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, delivered initial relief supplies, setting the pace for subsequent operations.
In the days that followed, Indian Air Force aircraft transported tonnes of essential aid—ranging from tents, blankets, hygiene kits, and medicines to modular trauma units called BHISHM Cubes. National Disaster Response Force teams, supported by search dogs, carried out rescues in severely affected regions such as Badulla and Gampaha, evacuating more than 450 people trapped by floods and landslides.
Helicopters from INS Vikrant and Mi-17s airlifted vulnerable populations and delivered emergency supplies to isolated locations, while an Indian Army field hospital in Badulla provided medical treatment to thousands. Engineers also airlifted Bailey bridges to reconnect damaged road networks, and naval vessels transported hundreds of tonnes of dry rations, including contributions from Tamil Nadu, to ports at Colombo and Trincomalee.
Sri Lankan officials have commended the speed and coordination of India’s relief efforts, with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake describing the cyclone as the most challenging disaster in recent history.
During his visit, EAM Jaishankar is expected to discuss ongoing reconstruction support and future collaboration, underscoring India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and the shared maritime and strategic interests of both nations.
