Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake after Cyclone Ditwah caused widespread devastation and heavy loss of life in Sri Lanka. Modi expressed condolences, assured that India stands firmly with Sri Lanka in this difficult hour, and committed to continued support under Operation Sagar Bandhu. India has already delivered extensive humanitarian relief: 9.5 tonnes of emergency rations through two Indian Navy ships, 31.5 tonnes of relief materials airlifted by three Indian Air Force aircraft, and an additional 12 tonnes sent onboard INS Sukanya. The supplies included tents, blankets, tarpaulins, hygiene kits, food items, medicines, and surgical equipment. A five-member medical team has been deployed along with an 80-member National Disaster Response Force Urban Search and Rescue contingent.
Rescue efforts have been intense. With support from the Sri Lankan Air Force, Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant and IAF MI-17 helicopters carried out aerial evacuations, rescuing more than 150 people, including pregnant women, infants, critically injured persons, foreign nationals, and Indian citizens. The Indian Air Force arranged special flights to send more than 400 stranded Indians back home; a C-130 transported passengers to Delhi, and an IL-76 transported others to Thiruvananthapuram after delivering aid.
India has so far provided over 53 tonnes of relief material and has pledged ongoing cooperation to support Sri Lanka’s rehabilitation and restoration of public services and livelihoods as part of its First Responder role and Vision Mahasagar doctrine.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake thanked India for its timely assistance, praised the rapid deployment of specialised rescue teams and equipment, and conveyed the gratitude of the Sri Lankan people. Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact as the crisis response and recovery operations continue. The cyclone has left more than 200 dead and displaced many across Sri Lanka, prompting the government to declare a national emergency.
