External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will visit Sri Lanka on Tuesday as the Special Envoy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to hold discussions with the island nation’s top leadership, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Monday.
The visit underscores India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and takes place amid New Delhi’s ongoing humanitarian outreach under Operation Sagar Bandhu, launched in response to the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka.
India initiated Operation Sagar Bandhu on November 28 as the first responder, providing urgent humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to Sri Lanka in the immediate aftermath of the cyclone. Relief supplies have since been delivered to several flood-affected regions across the country.
Last week, India supplied humanitarian assistance to flood-hit areas, while on December 18, India’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, visited severely affected localities in Colombo and Wattala to oversee relief distribution to families and children displaced by the floods.
Earlier, on December 14, an Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft delivered medical supplies and dry rations to Sri Lanka and facilitated the return of an Indian Army Field Hospital team after the successful completion of its humanitarian mission.
India has also assisted in restoring critical infrastructure, including efforts to repair damaged bridges and restore road connectivity in cyclone-affected regions, according to the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier spoken with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, expressing condolences for the loss of lives and assuring India’s continued support. President Dissanayake conveyed deep appreciation for India’s swift and effective response, acknowledging the solidarity shown by the Indian people during Sri Lanka’s time of crisis.
Jaishankar’s visit is expected to further reinforce bilateral cooperation and reflect India’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka during humanitarian emergencies and beyond.
