External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar arrived in Colombo as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s special envoy to engage with Sri Lankan leadership in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah’s devastation, which resulted in over 640 fatalities and significant infrastructural damage. Emphasizing India’s commitment to its Neighbourhood First Policy, Jaishankar announced a proposed assistance package worth $450 million, including $350 million in concessional lines of credit and $100 million in grants, aimed at rebuilding critical infrastructure, supporting health and education systems, and enhancing disaster preparedness. Since the cyclone’s onset, India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu, delivering over 1,134 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including food, medical supplies, and emergency relief materials, with naval assets such as INS Vikrant and helicopters conducting extensive relief operations. This proactive humanitarian response not only aids Sri Lanka in its recovery efforts but also reinforces India’s role as a dependable partner in regional stability and disaster resilience, fostering goodwill that underpins long-term strategic cooperation between the two nations.