In a strong demonstration of regional solidarity and humanitarian commitment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday spoke with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to convey India’s deep concern and to reaffirm continued assistance following the catastrophic impact of Cyclone Ditwah. The storm, which swept across Sri Lanka last week, has resulted in widespread destruction, causing hundreds of deaths, displacing thousands, and leaving more than a million people grappling with the aftermath. The conversation between the two leaders underscored the gravity of the situation and India’s readiness to support a neighbour facing one of its worst natural disasters in decades.

During the telephone conversation, Prime Minister Modi conveyed heartfelt condolences for the loss of lives and the extensive damage caused by the cyclone. He emphasised that the people of India stood firmly with Sri Lanka during this painful period and assured that New Delhi would continue to provide all necessary support. According to the official statement released after the discussion, Modi reaffirmed that India’s assistance would persist under the ongoing Operation Sagar Bandhu, a mission launched to deliver urgent relief and humanitarian aid to distressed individuals across the island nation.

President Dissanayake, in turn, expressed deep gratitude for the swift and effective response from India. He acknowledged the deployment of rescue teams and the timely dispatch of relief materials, noting that India’s rapid mobilisation had brought much-needed support to affected communities. The Sri Lankan president also conveyed that the people of his country widely appreciated India’s help, which had come at a time of immense distress and uncertainty. The official statement indicated that Dissanayake commended the efficiency and professionalism of the Indian teams engaged in rescue and relief operations.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted that India’s response was consistent with its Vision MAHASAGAR, a strategic framework that reinforces India’s role as a dependable and proactive partner in the Indian Ocean region. He reiterated that India’s long-standing policy as the “First Responder” to regional crises remains central to its foreign policy approach, particularly when neighbouring countries face natural calamities or humanitarian emergencies. Modi assured President Dissanayake that India would continue to extend robust support as Sri Lanka begins the long and complex process of rehabilitation, restoration of essential services, and rebuilding of livelihoods across cyclone-hit areas.

Cyclone Ditwah struck Sri Lanka with intense force, triggering landslides, floods, infrastructure collapse, and large-scale displacement. According to the latest assessment released by Sri Lankan authorities, as many as 1,151,776 people from 316,366 families have been impacted by the cyclone’s devastation. The speed and size of the storm resulted in widespread flooding across multiple districts, overwhelming existing relief systems and creating urgent needs for food, shelter, medical assistance, and emergency evacuation.

The human toll has been severe. As of 6 pm on Monday, the death count had risen to 366, with another 367 individuals reported missing. Rescue operations continue in regions where landslides buried homes and villages, and floodwaters washed away roads, bridges, and essential infrastructure. Several communities remain cut off from main transport routes, complicating aid delivery efforts. The Sri Lankan government has been racing against time to relocate families from hazardous zones, distribute supplies, and coordinate with international partners to manage large-scale relief operations.

India’s support has been crucial in this context. Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, India has deployed multiple teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), equipped with specialist equipment for search, rescue, and medical assistance. Relief materials, including food supplies, medicines, temporary shelters, and water purification systems, have also been dispatched. The Indian Navy and Air Force have been involved in transporting essential cargo and conducting aerial surveys to support Sri Lanka’s assessment of damage and requirements.

This coordinated response is part of a broader pattern in Indo-Lankan relations, wherein India has consistently extended support during crises. From the economic emergency in Sri Lanka in 2022–2023 to earlier natural disasters such as the 2004 tsunami, India has maintained a record of prompt and comprehensive assistance. The latest support following Cyclone Ditwah reinforces this longstanding partnership.

The conversation between Modi and Dissanayake also underscored the importance of sustained cooperation as Sri Lanka moves from the emergency response phase to long-term recovery. Restoring public services—such as power supply, healthcare systems, transportation networks, and educational institutions—will require substantial resources and coordination. Many regions inflicted by the cyclone are also economically vulnerable, heightening the urgency of livelihood restoration programs. Fishing communities, farmers, daily wage earners, and small traders—groups that form the backbone of Sri Lanka’s rural economy—have suffered significant losses and will need targeted support.

India’s assistance is expected to evolve in response to Sri Lanka’s changing needs. Beyond immediate rescue operations, longer-term rehabilitation efforts may include infrastructure restoration, provision of construction materials, medical support, and technical expertise for rebuilding climate-resilient systems. As climate-related disasters in South Asia increase in frequency and ferocity, cooperation in disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and risk mitigation strategies has become a growing area of collaboration between the two countries.

Modi and Dissanayake agreed during their conversation to remain in close touch as developments unfold. The assurance underscores the continuing diplomatic engagement and real-time coordination required to address a disaster of this scale. India’s readiness to remain involved reflects its commitment to ensuring that the humanitarian situation eases as quickly as possible and that Sri Lanka’s path to recovery is supported by stable and reliable partners.

Cyclone Ditwah’s destructive impact has left Sri Lanka with a monumental challenge. Entire towns have been inundated, hundreds of families have lost homes, and thousands remain missing or displaced. With emergency shelters filling up and rescue operations extending into difficult terrains, the demand for international aid has grown significantly. India’s rapid and decisive response has provided critical relief at a crucial moment, offering both material support and a reaffirmation of deep-rooted bilateral ties.

As Sri Lanka works to rebuild, the partnership between India and Sri Lanka will likely play a vital role in ensuring that affected communities regain stability and that the nation moves forward with resilience. The solidarities expressed by leaders on both sides highlight not only the shared geography of the two countries but also a shared sense of responsibility and mutual support during times of crisis. With continued cooperation, the recovery process stands to be strengthened, grounded in regional unity and a commitment to collective well-being.