 "EAM Jaishankar. File image")
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to visit Sri Lanka on Tuesday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s special envoy, as India continues to support the island nation after Cyclone Ditwah caused widespread damage.
The visit comes amid ongoing relief operations and diplomatic engagement to help Sri Lanka recover from the natural disaster.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the trip highlights India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and builds on the extensive humanitarian assistance India has already provided under Operation Sagar Bandhu.
India’s heavy-lift humanitarian response
India was the first country to respond to Sri Lanka’s appeal for help, sending substantial aid and relief supplies after Cyclone Ditwah struck the island. Since late November, New Delhi has dispatched more than 1,134 tonnes of humanitarian assistance, including dry rations, tents, tarpaulins, hygiene kits, medical equipment, and other essentials, according to MEA officials.
Indian naval ships, such as INS Vikrant, INS Udaygiri, INS Sukanya and several Landing Craft Utility vessels, have delivered relief material to Colombo and Trincomalee, while Air Force and Army teams helped with search, rescue and medical care operations across affected areas.
An 85-member Indian Army field hospital in Mahiyanganaya provided emergency medical services to more than 7,000 patients, reflecting the scale of India’s coordinated response to the humanitarian crisis.
Sri Lankan officials and citizens have expressed appreciation for India’s swift action. Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath wrote on X:
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View AllFormer Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Mohamed Uvais Mohamed Ali Sabry also thanked India for the cyclone relief, reinforcing the strength of bilateral ties during an emergency.
What’s next in Colombo
During his visit, Jaishankar is expected to meet Sri Lanka’s top leaders to discuss ongoing aid coordination, long-term recovery planning and further cooperation under India’s Neighbourhood First framework. The trip also signals New Delhi’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka not just in disaster response but in strengthening regional partnerships.