New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written to Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, assuring India’s full support to Sri Lanka in the aftermath of the devastating Cyclone Ditwah and reaffirming New Delhi’s commitment to stand by the island nation in rebuilding lives and strengthening resilience.

In his letter, Prime Minister Modi highlighted India’s swift humanitarian response under Operation Sagar Bandhu, launched in line with India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and its role as a first responder in the region. He noted that Indian ships, aircraft and helicopters delivered critical relief supplies and emergency materials, while specialised Indian teams assisted in search and rescue operations, medical emergencies, and the restoration of connectivity and communications.

“In line with our ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and First Responder commitment, we undertook Operation Sagar Bandhu to address the immediate challenges,” PM Modi wrote. “We are glad that Operation Sagar Bandhu touched many lives in Sri Lanka and was widely perceived as an expression of our deep bonding.”

As Sri Lanka transitions from immediate relief to long-term recovery, the Prime Minister assured continued Indian support. “As in the past, we will stand shoulder to shoulder with you in rebuilding lives and ensuring resilience in Sri Lanka,” he said, adding that India would extend a comprehensive assistance package to aid reconstruction efforts.

Earlier on Tuesday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, speaking in Colombo as a special envoy of Prime Minister Modi, announced that India has proposed a USD 450 million assistance package for Sri Lanka’s post-cyclone reconstruction. “The letter from PM Modi that I handed over builds on our first responder role and commits a reconstruction package of USD 450 million to Sri Lanka,” Jaishankar said.

Detailing the scale of India’s initial relief efforts, Jaishankar said that around 1,100 tonnes of relief material had been delivered, along with 14.5 tonnes of medicines and medical equipment. He added that the proposed assistance package includes USD 350 million in concessional lines of credit and USD 100 million in grants, and is being finalised in close consultation with the Sri Lankan government to ensure it addresses priority infrastructure and recovery needs.

During his visit, Jaishankar held separate meetings with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa.

Sri Lankan Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath expressed gratitude for India’s support, praising Operation Sagar Bandhu and New Delhi’s sustained economic assistance. He noted that India has provided nearly USD 4 billion in assistance to Sri Lanka through various lines of credit, emergency financing and foreign exchange support, including USD 20.66 million to settle dues for completed projects.

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Operation Sagar Bandhu was launched to provide humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah, with India dispatching relief supplies and helping restore critical connectivity and essential services across the affected regions.