Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday conveyed India’s unwavering support to Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah, which has caused severe devastation across multiple regions of the island nation. During a telephone conversation, Modi expressed deep condolences for the lives lost and the widespread destruction triggered by the cyclone, reaffirming India’s commitment to assist Sri Lanka through immediate relief and longer-term rehabilitation efforts.

India Extends Strong Humanitarian Support

According to the official Indian government readout, Modi assured President Dissanayake that India will continue to support Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu—the ongoing humanitarian mission focused on rescue, relief, and assistance for those affected by Cyclone Ditwah. The operation reflects India’s long-standing approach as the “first responder” in the Indian Ocean region, guided by the broader Mahasagar vision of maritime cooperation, disaster support, and regional stability.

Modi emphasized that India’s assistance would not be limited to emergency relief. He conveyed India’s readiness to help Sri Lanka in the next phases of recovery: restoring essential public services, rebuilding infrastructure, and supporting efforts to revive livelihoods in cyclone-impacted areas.

“The people of India stand in firm solidarity and support with the people of Sri Lanka in this hour of need,” Modi told the Sri Lankan President.

Sri Lanka Appreciates India’s Quick Response

President Dissanayake expressed his gratitude for India’s timely assistance following one of the worst natural disasters Sri Lanka has faced in two decades. He particularly appreciated the swift deployment of rescue and relief teams and the prompt delivery of essential materials.

Both leaders agreed to remain in close communication as relief and rehabilitation operations continue.

India’s Rapid Deployment: A Vital Lifeline

India has so far dispatched 53 tonnes of relief supplies and deployed an 80-member National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) contingent to Sri Lanka. These emergency resources have played a critical role in addressing immediate challenges brought by the cyclone—heavy rainfall, flash floods, and massive landslides affecting nearly a million people.

Tragically, over 400 individuals have been reported dead or missing, and authorities fear the numbers may rise as rescue teams reach remote and heavily impacted areas.

Indian military helicopters and NDRF personnel have mounted extensive search and rescue operations. More than 150 people have been rescued from inundated or isolated regions. Among those saved were foreign nationals from Australia, Bangladesh, Belarus, Germany, Iran, Poland, Pakistan, Slovenia, and South Africa—highlighting the wide-ranging impact of the disaster and the importance of coordinated international support.

Regional Solidarity in Times of Crisis

India’s response underscores its long-standing role as a key humanitarian partner to Sri Lanka, particularly in times of natural calamities. The commitment articulated by the Indian Prime Minister reflects a broader philosophy of neighbourhood support and cooperation, which has guided India’s actions in the Indian Ocean region for years.

With Cyclone Ditwah causing extensive destruction across Sri Lanka—damaging homes, sweeping away infrastructure, disrupting communications, and displacing hundreds of thousands—India’s continued involvement is expected to be central to both immediate relief and long-term recovery efforts.

As both nations move ahead, the telephone conversation between Modi and Dissanayake signals a renewed commitment to collaboration, compassion, and regional resilience at a moment of shared crisis