India has pledged $450 million to support Sri Lanka’s recovery efforts following Cyclone Ditwah, according to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The announcement was made in Colombo after Jaishankar met with President Anura Dissanayake as a special envoy from the Indian Prime Minister.

India was the first country to respond to the disaster, providing relief supplies, helicopters, medical support, and Bailey bridges to restore critical road links.

“Recognizing the urgency of rebuilding, Prime Minister Modi directed that we now engage with the Sri Lankan government to address their priorities in that regard,” Jaishankar stated.

The proposed assistance package totals $450 million, comprising $350 million in concessional lines of credit and $100 million in grants. This aid will support the rehabilitation and restoration of roads, railways, and bridges, as well as the reconstruction of houses and health services. Additionally, the package aims to assist in the rehabilitation of agriculture and to strengthen disaster response and mitigation efforts.