Reaffirming its commitment to the &lsquo;Neighbourhood First&rsquo; policy, India has extended urgent humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. The relief effort, launched under &lsquo;Operation Sagar Bandhu&rsquo;, involves the delivery of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) supplies through the Indian Navy.
According to the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka, essential relief materials including 4.5 tonnes of dry rations, 2 tonnes of fresh food supplies, and other necessities were transported by Indian Naval Ships INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri to support families affected by the cyclone.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the people of Sri Lanka, mourning the loss of lives and assuring continued support. He stated that India stands in solidarity with its closest maritime neighbour and remains prepared to extend further assistance as the situation evolves, guided by the Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR.
Sri Lanka&rsquo;s Disaster Management Centre has confirmed that at least 56 people have died due to cyclone-related incidents, while 14 were injured and 21 reported missing. Nearly 44,000 people across more than 12,000 families have been impacted, with houses either fully or partially damaged across several regions.
Heavy rainfall, flooding, and landslides continue to disrupt daily life across the island nation. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has directed the Army to intensify rescue and relief operations, deploying over 20,500 personnel across affected areas. Special instructions have also been issued to assist foreign tourists facing difficulties due to the emergency.
Severe weather conditions have led to widespread power outages, flight diversions, and transport disruptions. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department has warned that Cyclone Ditwah is likely to move north-northwestwards towards the southwest Bay of Bengal, affecting parts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and south Andhra Pradesh in the coming days. [Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by the Benefit News editorial team and is published directly from the IANS news feed.]

India Sends Relief to Sri Lanka After Cyclone Ditwah

Operation Sagar Bandhu delivers naval aid as India backs Sri Lanka

India Sends Relief to Sri Lanka After Cyclone

Operation Sagar Bandhu delivers naval aid as India backs Sri Lanka

November 29, 2025 | 01:27 IST