India took leading role in relief efforts in aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka

The Hindu: Published on 3 December 2025.

Why in News

India has become the first and fastest responder to Sri Lanka after the devastating Cyclone Ditwah, which caused large-scale destruction across the island nation. By December 2, 2025, the cyclone had caused 465 deaths, with 366 people missing. Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake of India’s full support under the Neighbourhood First and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) principles.

About Cyclone Ditwah

Cyclone Ditwah, the fourth major cyclonic storm of the 2025 North Indian Ocean season, made landfall on 28 November 2025 in eastern Sri Lanka, triggering the country’s worst flooding in two decades. The storm left a severe humanitarian impact, with 465 confirmed deaths, 366 people reported missing, and over 14.6 lakh individuals affected across more than 4 lakh families. The scale of displacement was immense, forcing over 2.09 lakh people into 1,094 relief camps after their homes and neighbourhoods were inundated or swept away. More than 15,000 houses were completely destroyed, leading to widespread loss of shelter, livelihoods, and access to essential services. Entire communities suddenly found themselves without electricity, clean water, or basic medical support, deepening the crisis and stretching local disaster-response systems to their limits.

India’s Swift & Comprehensive Response

India’s response to Cyclone Ditwah was swift and deeply coordinated, with assistance reaching Sri Lanka within just 48 hours, reaffirming India’s role as the region’s most dependable first responder. High-level engagement guided the effort: on 1 December 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke directly with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, assuring not only urgent relief support but also a commitment to long-term reconstruction. This early and decisive coordination set the tone for a comprehensive humanitarian partnership at a moment of acute crisis.

Relief Supplies Sent by India

India sent multiple consignments through the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force:

• Emergency Aid Included
• Rice, ready-to-eat food packets, drinking water
• Medicines & medical kits
• Tents, blankets, hygiene kits
• Water purification systems
• Power generators
• Search & rescue gear

This helped bypass Sri Lanka’s damaged roads and ports.

Technical & On-Ground Support

India deployed:

• NDMA teams for relief coordination
• NDRF teams for landslide rescue
• IMD scientists for weather forecasting support

This strengthened Sri Lanka’s on-ground response capacity.

Strategic & Geopolitical Significance

• Neighbourhood First & SAGAR: India’s rapid assistance reinforced trust within the neighbourhood and strengthened its reputation as a reliable partner in the Indian Ocean. The response also helps balance China’s growing influence in Sri Lanka and builds on India’s earlier $4+ billion support during the 2022 economic crisis.
• Humanitarian Diplomacy: By swiftly aiding Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah just as it did in Mozambique, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and the Maldives India further cemented its role as the region’s leading first responder and a key humanitarian actor.
• Economic & Connectivity Impact: The cyclone’s severe economic losses will affect India–Sri Lanka trade and tourism. However, the reconstruction phase may push forward key connectivity projects such as the power grid link and Trincomalee oil storage expansion.
• Climate & Disaster Resilience: Given the Bay of Bengal’s high cyclone risk, India and Sri Lanka share both vulnerability and responsibility. This event underscores the importance of joint early-warning systems, better preparedness, and coordinated disaster training.

India’s swift response to Cyclone Ditwah underscores its growing role as the Indian Ocean Region’s reliable first responder. It deepens humanitarian bonds, reinforces strategic trust with neighbours, and highlights India’s evolving ability to pair compassion with capability — a steadying presence in an increasingly turbulent region.