A crucial humanitarian gesture strengthening regional solidarity in the face of widespread devastation.
Context
Cyclone Ditwah caused devastating damage across Sri Lanka in late November 2025, marking one of the nation’s worst natural disasters in decades. India, a close neighbor, has provided a substantial humanitarian gesture to aid Sri Lanka’s recovery.
India’s Aid Announcement
During his pivotal visit to Colombo on December 23, 2025, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar formally announced a comprehensive $450 million (approximately ₹3,735 crore) reconstruction and recovery package. This substantial aid is purposed to support Sri Lanka’s relief, recovery, and rebuilding efforts, including restoring vital infrastructure and supporting affected communities, reinforcing India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy.
- Amount: $450 million (approximately ₹3,735 crore) reconstruction and recovery package.
- Announced by: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar during his visit to Colombo on December 23, 2025.
- Purpose: To support Sri Lanka’s relief, recovery, and rebuilding efforts, including restoring vital infrastructure and supporting affected communities.
- Policy Alignment: Reinforces India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy.
Cyclone Ditwah: A Trail of Catastrophe Across Sri Lanka
Disaster’s Reach
Cyclone Ditwah made landfall on November 28, 2025, unleashing widespread flooding and numerous landslides, particularly in the Central Highlands. Its destructive path impacted all 25 districts of Sri Lanka.
- Fatalities: At least 643.
- Missing: 183.
- Severely Affected: Nearly 2 million.
- Living in Flooded Areas: Estimated 2.3 million.
Infrastructure & Economic Damage
The cyclone inflicted staggering damage, estimated by the World Bank at US$4.1 billion – approximately 4% of Sri Lanka’s GDP.
- Houses Damaged: Over 100,000 (fully or partially).
- Houses Destroyed: 6,200.
- Roads Impassable: More than 200 of over 16,000 km exposed to flooding.
- Bridges Damaged: 35.
- Agricultural Sector: Estimated $814 million damage to crops and farmlands.
- Power Outages: Affected nearly 30% of the country.
The cumulative effect was a significant humanitarian crisis, demanding immediate and sustained international support to address health system strains and food security concerns.
Widespread destruction in Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah, with flooded roads, damaged homes, and visible landslides reflecting the scale of the disaster.
Operation Sagar Bandhu: India’s Immediate Response
Launched even as the cyclone raged, Operation Sagar Bandhu was India’s critical humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) mission, highlighting its role as a first responder in regional crises.
Assets Deployed
- Indian naval ships: INS Vikrant, INS Udayagiri.
- Indian Air Force helicopters: Mi-17.
- National Disaster Response Force (NDRF): 80-member team for rescue operations.
Relief & Medical Supplies
- Over 1,100 tonnes of essential food supplies, tents, hygiene kits, clothing, and water purification equipment.
- Approximately 14.5 tonnes of medicines and medical equipment.
Indian Army engineers constructed vital Bailey bridges in Killinochchi and Chilaw, restoring critical connectivity, while an Indian Army field hospital near Kandy provided emergency medical care to over 8,000 people. This demonstrated India’s solidarity and readiness to support its neighbor.
Operation Sagar Bandhu in action: Indian forces providing crucial humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to Sri Lanka.
The $450 Million Reconstruction Package Details
The $450 million package is strategically structured to ensure sustained recovery and long-term stability for Sri Lanka, fostering economic revitalization and enhancing resilience.
Structure of Aid
- $350 million: Concessional Lines of Credit for large-scale projects.
- $100 million: Grants for immediate and critical recovery initiatives.
Key Focus Areas
- Infrastructure Rehabilitation: Rebuilding roads, railway lines, and bridges.
- Housing Reconstruction: Support for building damaged or destroyed houses.
- Social Facilities: Restoration of essential health and education facilities.
- Agriculture Support: Addressing food shortages and livelihoods.
- Disaster Preparedness: Strengthening resilience against future calamities.
Illustrating renewed hope: Reconstruction efforts in Sri Lanka, powered by India’s aid, building resilient infrastructure and homes.
India’s “Neighbourhood First” Policy and Historical Support
India’s response is a continuation of its long-standing commitment to Sri Lanka, emblematic of its “Neighbourhood First” policy.
Previous Crisis Support (2022 Economic Crisis)
In 2022, India provided approximately USD 4 billion in financial support to Sri Lanka, including credit facilities for essential goods (fuel, food, medicines), acting as a “lender of last resort.”
Overall Development Cooperation
India’s overall development cooperation commitment to Sri Lanka exceeds USD 3.5 billion, including approximately USD 570 million in grants, covering a wide range of sectors.
Flagship Initiatives
- Indian Housing Project: Committed to building 62,500 houses for war-affected people and estate workers.
- Railway Upgrades: Supported modernization of railway infrastructure.
- Connectivity: Initiated ferry services between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai; resumed air links between Chennai and Jaffna.
- Health Projects: Country-wide 1990 Emergency Ambulance Service; construction of key hospitals.
- Other Support: Livelihood support for fishermen, educational and cultural projects, energy initiatives (solar electrification).
These initiatives highlight the depth and breadth of India-Sri Lanka relations, building a foundation of mutual support and progress. For more details on India’s foreign policy, you might read about the “Neighbourhood First” policy on Wikipedia.
A symbolic handshake: India and Sri Lanka’s enduring friendship and bilateral ties, reinforced by acts of solidarity.
Sri Lanka’s Gratitude and Future Outlook
Sri Lankan officials have conveyed profound appreciation for India’s steadfast support. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for “prompt assistance” under SAGAR-BANDHU, while Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath and Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa publicly acknowledged India as a “real friend.”
Ongoing coordination between Sri Lankan officials and the Indian government will finalize fund allocation for critical needs. This aid is aimed not only at physical rebuilding but also at strengthening disaster preparedness and fostering resilient economic recovery. India’s response reinforces its commitment as a reliable partner, deepening bilateral ties and mutual goodwill as Sri Lanka recovers.
Key Takeaways
- Significant Aid: India announced a $450 million package to Sri Lanka for Cyclone Ditwah recovery.
- Devastating Impact: Cyclone Ditwah caused over 643 fatalities, affected nearly 2 million, and inflicted an estimated US$4.1 billion in damage.
- Immediate Response: “Operation Sagar Bandhu” saw India deploy naval ships, air force helicopters, and NDRF teams for rescue and relief.
- Comprehensive Package: The aid includes $350 million in Lines of Credit and $100 million in grants, focusing on infrastructure, housing, agriculture, and disaster preparedness.
- Strong Bilateral Ties: This aid reinforces India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy, building on previous support during Sri Lanka’s 2022 economic crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the total value of India’s aid to Sri Lanka for Cyclone Ditwah recovery?
India has extended a total of $450 million to Sri Lanka, comprising $350 million in concessional Lines of Credit and $100 million in grants.
When did Cyclone Ditwah make landfall and what was its impact?
Cyclone Ditwah made landfall on November 28, 2025, affecting all 25 districts of Sri Lanka. It resulted in at least 643 fatalities, nearly 2 million severely affected, and estimated US$4.1 billion in direct physical damage.
What was “Operation Sagar Bandhu”?
“Operation Sagar Bandhu” was India’s immediate humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) mission, launched during the cyclone. It involved deploying Indian naval ships, air force helicopters, and NDRF teams to deliver over 1,100 tonnes of relief materials and 14.5 tonnes of medical supplies, alongside infrastructure restoration efforts.
What areas will the reconstruction package focus on?
The $450 million package will focus on infrastructure rehabilitation (roads, railways, bridges), housing reconstruction, restoration of social facilities (health, education), agricultural support, and strengthening disaster preparedness mechanisms.
How does this aid align with India’s foreign policy?
This aid reinforces India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy, demonstrating its commitment as a reliable partner in regional crises. It builds upon a long history of cooperation, including over USD 4 billion in support during Sri Lanka’s 2022 economic crisis and ongoing development initiatives.
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