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Jaishankar Applauds Indian Business Community's Cyclone Relief Efforts In Sri Lanka

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with the Indian business community in Sri Lanka, commending their role in providing relief during Cyclone Ditwah. He detailed India's swift humanitarian response, including the deployment of naval assets, air force helicopters, an NDRF team, and a field hospital, under Operation Sagar Bandhu. The assistance underscores India's commitment to its Neighbourhood First policy.

Key Points: Jaishankar Praises Indian Biz Community's Role in Sri Lanka Cyclone Ditwah Relief

  • EAM Jaishankar applauds Indian business community in Sri Lanka for cyclone relief contributions
  • India initiated Operation Sagar Bandhu relief mission on day cyclone made landfall
  • INS Vikrant, INS Udayagiri delivered aid and deployed helicopters in Colombo
  • Indian Army field hospital near Kandy provided emergency care to over 8,000 people
  • 80-member NDRF team conducted rescue operations in affected areas
  • Effort aligns with India's Neighbourhood First and MAHASAGAR policies
2 min read

Jaishankar lauds Indian business community's relief contributions in SL on face of Cyclone Ditwah

EAM S Jaishankar lauds Indian business community in Sri Lanka for relief contributions during Cyclone Ditwah, highlights India's swift disaster response under Operation Sagar Bandhu.

"Nice to interact with members of the Indian Business community based in Sri Lanka. Applaud their contributions towards providing relief during Cyclone Ditwah. - S Jaishankar / External Affairs Minister"

Colombo, December 23

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday held talks with the Indian Business Community in Sri Lanka.

Jaishankar applauded their contributions in providing relief during Cyclone Ditwah.

In a post on X, he said, "Nice to interact with members of the Indian Business community based in Sri Lanka. Applaud their contributions towards providing relief during Cyclone Ditwah."

Earlier in the day, in his press statement during meeting with Herath of Sri Lanka, Jaishankar said that India stepped up for helping the nation keeping in line with its Neighbourhood First and MAHASAGAR policies.

"As your closest neighbour and in line with our Neighbourhood First and MAHASAGAR policies, it was only natural that India step forward at a time when Sri Lanka faced a crisis. We have done so when you were going through economic difficulties as well. In the case of Cyclone Ditwah, you would appreciate that India has also been a strong advocate of cooperative disaster response. The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure was a notable initiative that we led in that regard," he said.

Jaishankar highlighted how India sent aid on the day Cyclone Ditwah made landfall, showing swift action.

"India's relief and assistance mission - Operation Sagar Bandhu - commenced on the very day that Cyclone Ditwah made landfall. Our Aircraft Carrier INS Vikrant and another ship INS Udayagiri were present at Colombo and delivered relief material and thereafter also deployed helicopters. Thereafter, a number of Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Airforce were active for a period of more than two weeks in Sri Lanka."

He further highlighted the contributions of an 80-member NDRF team in providing assistance to affected families.

"An 80-member National Disaster Response Force contingent arrived simultaneously and conducted rescue and relief operations. The Indian Army established a field hospital with 85 medical personnel near Kandy, providing emergency care to more than 8,000 people. Two modular BHISHM emergency care units were also air lifted to Sri Lanka and utilized," he said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Heartwarming to see our business community in Sri Lanka stepping up during the crisis. It's not just about government aid; the people-to-people connect is crucial. Well done to all involved!
A
Aman W
While I appreciate the help, I hope our own disaster response mechanisms within India are getting equal attention and funding. We face cyclones and floods every year too. Charity begins at home, but shouldn't end there.
S
Sarah B
The speed of the response is impressive. Sending aid on the very day of landfall and deploying an aircraft carrier shows serious capability and intent. The field hospital helping 8000 people is no small feat. Kudos to the teams on the ground.
V
Vikram M
This is the India we want to see on the global stage - a first responder, a reliable friend. MAHASAGAR and Neighbourhood First are more than just slogans. When our neighbours are in trouble, we are there. It builds immense goodwill.
K
Karthik V
The use of INS Vikrant is a powerful signal. It's not just a warship; it's a vessel of hope and humanitarian assistance. This soft power diplomacy, backed by concrete action, is how we strengthen ties in our own backyard. Good move.

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