On December 22, 2023, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar touched down in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. He was warmly welcomed at the airport by Sri Lanka's Deputy Tourism Minister, Ruwan Ranasinghe.

"Arrived in Colombo this evening. My sincere thanks to Deputy Tourism Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe for the gracious welcome. I am eager for my discussions with the leadership of Sri Lanka tomorrow," EAM Jaishankar shared on X.

This visit is significant as it highlights India's Neighbourhood First Policy, coinciding with Operation Sagar Bandhu, aimed at assisting in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah's destruction.

Initiated on November 28, Operation Sagar Bandhu saw India stepping up as the first responder to provide urgent Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) to Sri Lanka following the cyclone's devastation.

Recently, India has dispatched relief supplies to affected areas in Sri Lanka, showcasing its unwavering commitment to support its neighbor in this challenging time through Operation Sagar Bandhu.

On December 18, India's High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, visited heavily impacted areas, including the Kolonnawa suburb of Colombo and the Bhaktivedanta Children's Home 'Gokulam' in Wattala, which faced severe flooding.

During his visit, High Commissioner Jha distributed aid kits to families in Kolonnawa, in collaboration with the All Ceylon Sufi Spiritual Association, and provided assistance to children of 'Gokulam' at the ISKCON Temple in Colombo.

Earlier, on December 14, an Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster delivered 10 tonnes of medicines and 15 tonnes of dry rations to Sri Lanka, while also facilitating the return of the Indian Army Field Hospital team, which had successfully concluded its humanitarian mission in Mahiyanganaya, near Kandy.

The High Commission of India in Sri Lanka reported that efforts to restore vital road connectivity are progressing well, with preparations underway for bridge installations in Chilaw and Kilinochchi, including the full clearance of the damaged Kilinochchi Bridge to enhance regional access.

On December 1, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a phone call with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, expressing condolences for the lives lost and the extensive damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah, while reaffirming India’s ongoing support through Operation Sagar Bandhu.

During this conversation, PM Modi assured that the people of India stand in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka during this crisis, and President Dissanayake expressed heartfelt thanks for India's prompt and effective aid.

President Dissanayake acknowledged India's swift deployment of rescue teams and relief supplies, conveying the appreciation of the Sri Lankan people for India's timely response. The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) issued a statement reflecting this sentiment.

PM Modi conveyed his heartfelt condolences regarding the disaster's impact in Sri Lanka and reiterated India's commitment to support the island nation under Operation Sagar Bandhu, aligning with the Vision MAHASAGAR as a 'First Responder'.