India has delivered a fresh round of emergency relief supplies to Sri Lanka as part of Operation Sagar Bandhu, reinforcing its rapid humanitarian response following the destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
An Indian Air Force IL-76 aircraft landed in Colombo on Tuesday carrying 9 tons of relief material and two Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams, comprising 80 personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). This follows the arrival of an IAF C-130J aircraft earlier in the day, transporting nearly 12 tons of essential supplies, including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, and ready-to-eat food.
With these deliveries, India has so far provided around 27 tons of relief material by air and sea, with officials confirming that additional shipments are already being mobilised.
The consignment was formally handed over at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) by senior officials of the High Commission of India — Mr. Maitrey Kulkarni and Lt. Col. Mandeep Singh Negi — and received by Sri Lanka Air Force Chief of Staff, AVM Lasitha Sumanaweera.
India Reinforces ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the families affected by the cyclone and reaffirmed India’s commitment to support Sri Lanka under the Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR. He stated that India stands ready to extend continued humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) as the situation evolves.
India has long positioned itself as Sri Lanka’s closest regional partner, especially during times of crisis — including the 2004 tsunami, the 2022 economic collapse, and recent extreme weather events. Under Operation Sagar, India has delivered multiple waves of relief throughout the Indian Ocean region, reflecting New Delhi’s broader strategic objective of ensuring regional stability and maritime security.
India’s Geopolitical Role in Sri Lanka
India’s swift response underscores its significant geopolitical influence in Sri Lanka, shaped by security, economic, and cultural ties. As competing regional powers — including China — extend their presence in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka remains a central focus within India’s strategic calculations.
India is Sri Lanka’s largest source of foreign tourists, one of its biggest trading partners, and a key development lender. Colombo’s proximity to major Indian maritime routes has further strengthened India’s interest in safeguarding stability and ensuring that Sri Lanka remains within a friendly regional orbit.
A Large Indian Diaspora Presence
Sri Lanka also hosts a sizable Indian-origin community, particularly descendants of Indian Tamil plantation workers. While exact numbers vary, estimates suggest that hundreds of thousands of Indian-origin Tamils continue to live in Sri Lanka, forming one of the country’s most politically and culturally distinct communities. Their presence, alongside growing migration flows for trade and business, further anchors India’s deep societal links with Sri Lanka.
India Continues to Lead Regional Disaster Assistance
With Cyclone Ditwah causing widespread flooding, landslides, and disruption across multiple Sri Lankan districts, India’s rapid and large-scale assistance reinforces its role as the region’s first responder. Officials from both countries noted that relief efforts will continue in coordination with Sri Lankan authorities as assessments evolve.
