New Delhi/Colombo, December 23, 2025:
India has extended strong support to Sri Lanka in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday announcing a proposed assistance package worth USD 450 million to help the island nation recover from the devastation caused by the storm.
Jaishankar, who is visiting Sri Lanka as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s special envoy, made the announcement during discussions with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath. He said the cyclone struck at a particularly difficult time for Sri Lanka, which was still in the process of rebuilding its economy after the severe financial crisis of 2022.
The External Affairs Minister said Prime Minister Modi had directed Indian authorities to engage closely with the Sri Lankan government to identify its immediate and long-term needs. Following consultations, India proposed a comprehensive aid package totalling USD 450 million to support relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts.
According to Jaishankar, the proposed assistance includes USD 350 million in concessional lines of credit and USD 100 million in grants. He added that the package is being finalised in coordination with the Sri Lankan government to ensure that it effectively addresses the most urgent priorities.
India’s support will focus on sectors badly affected by the cyclone, including the repair and restoration of critical infrastructure such as roads, railways and bridges. The package will also provide assistance for rebuilding houses that were fully or partially damaged, restoring health and education facilities, and supporting the agriculture sector to address possible short- and medium-term shortages. In addition, part of the assistance will be aimed at strengthening Sri Lanka’s disaster response and preparedness systems.
Reaffirming India’s commitment to Sri Lanka, Jaishankar said the proposed assistance reflects the close ties and longstanding friendship between the two countries, and underlines India’s resolve to stand by its neighbour during times of crisis.
