New Delhi, 01 December 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today held a telephone conversation with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to express India’s solidarity after Cyclone Ditwah caused widespread loss of life and destruction across the island nation.

The Prime Minister conveyed his deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones and said the people of India stand firmly with Sri Lanka in this difficult time.

President Dissanayake thanked Prime Minister Modi for India’s swift and effective help.

He especially appreciated the rapid deployment of Indian rescue teams, relief material, and medical aid that reached Sri Lanka within hours of the cyclone making landfall.

PM Modi assured the Sri Lankan President that India will continue to extend all possible support under the ongoing Operation Sagar Bandhu.

He reiterated India’s commitment as the region’s ‘First Responder’ and, in line with the Vision MAHASAGAR policy, India will remain fully engaged in the coming days to assist Sri Lanka with rescue, rehabilitation, restoration of essential services, and rebuilding of livelihoods in the affected areas.

Both leaders agreed to maintain close contact as relief and recovery efforts continue.

India had activated Operation Sagar Bandhu immediately after the cyclone warning, sending Indian Navy ships with relief supplies, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, and medical units.

Additional consignments of food, medicines, temporary shelters, and power generators have also been airlifted in the last 48 hours.

The cyclone, one of the strongest to hit Sri Lanka in recent years, has claimed over 40 lives, displaced thousands, and caused extensive damage to homes, roads, and power infrastructure.

Today’s call underlines the deep friendship and Neighbourhood First approach that continues to guide India-Sri Lanka relations even during natural calamities.