India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka next week, reinforcing Delhi’s commitment to aid and reconstruction following Cyclone Ditwah, which struck the island on November 27, 2025. The visit comes as Sri Lanka continues to recover from one of the worst natural disasters in decades, with over 500 lives lost and millions affected.
The trip follows India’s rapid humanitarian response under Operation Sagar Bandhu, which included airlifting tonnes of essential supplies, deploying elite National Disaster Response Force teams, and sending Indian naval and Air Force helicopters to conduct rescues and deliver aid. An Indian Army field hospital and engineering teams also assisted in restoring infrastructure in hard-hit areas.
Sri Lankan authorities have lauded India’s quick and coordinated response, with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake calling the cyclone the most challenging disaster in recent history. Jaishankar’s visit is expected to focus on continued reconstruction support, strengthening bilateral ties, and advancing India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy, while addressing shared maritime and regional interests.
