Cyclone Ditwah: India’s Relief Mission Grows; PM Modi Speaks To Sri Lanka President

Updated: Monday, December 1, 2025, 21:32 [IST]

India’s relief mission in Sri Lanka continues as Operation Sagar Bandhu rescues more than 2,000 stranded Indians and delivers 53 tonnes of aid by air and sea. The response follows Cyclone Ditwah, which has left at least 334 people dead and caused heavy destruction across multiple regions of Sri Lanka.

Amid these rescue and relief efforts, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke by phone with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Monday, according to news agency ANI. Narendra Modi extended condolences for the loss of life and the widespread damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah across Sri Lanka’s towns and villages.

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India's Operation Sagar Bandhu in Sri Lanka has rescued over 2,000 Indians and delivered 53 tonnes of aid following Cyclone Ditwah, which caused at least 334 deaths; Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, assuring continued support.

Operation Sagar Bandhu relief support and India–Sri Lanka cooperation

Narendra Modi told Anura Kumara Dissanayake that people in India stand in strong solidarity with people in Sri Lanka. The Prime Minister highlighted that Indian teams are already on the ground. These teams are working with local authorities to rescue distressed persons and move essential relief supplies to affected communities.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake thanked India for its assistance after the cyclone and welcomed the quick deployment of Indian rescue teams and relief material. Anura Kumara Dissanayake also relayed that Sri Lankan citizens value India’s prompt and effective response, which started soon after Cyclone Ditwah made landfall and emergency needs became clear.

Operation / Event	Location	Key Figures
Operation Sagar Bandhu	Sri Lanka	Over 2,000 Indians rescued
Relief material sent	By air and sea	53 tonnes
Cyclone Ditwah impact	Sri Lanka	At least 334 deaths

Operation Sagar Bandhu, Vision MAHASAGAR and India’s 'First Responder’ role

Narendra Modi assured Anura Kumara Dissanayake that India will keep supporting Sri Lanka through Operation Sagar Bandhu. The Prime Minister said this commitment aligns with Vision MAHASAGAR and India’s established role in the region as the “First Responder” during natural disasters and related emergencies.

India has promised further help as Sri Lanka moves from emergency response to rebuilding. Support is expected for rehabilitation work, restoring public services and helping residents restart livelihoods in cyclone-hit areas. Both leaders agreed to stay in close contact as Sri Lanka advances its recovery, with Operation Sagar Bandhu continuing on the ground.