🇮🇳🇱🇰 India Pledges $450M for Sri Lanka's Cyclone Ditwah Recovery! 🤝

India has committed a comprehensive reconstruction package of US$ 450 million to help Sri Lanka recover from Cyclone Ditwah, reaffirming its role as a first responder and regional partner. • The pledge was formally conveyed by Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. • The package comprises US$ 350 million in concessional lines of credit and US$ 100 million in grants. • Assistance will focus on five key sectors worst affected: • Rehabilitation of road, railway, and bridge connectivity. • Reconstruction of damaged houses. • Restoration of health and education facilities. • Support for agriculture to address shortages. • Strengthening disaster response and preparedness mechanisms. • India's "Operation Sagar Bandu" provided immediate relief, including naval assets, air support for rescue, and a field hospital. • India also assured continued encouragement of tourism traffic and increased Indian FDIs to boost Sri Lanka's broader economic recovery, especially as the nation emerges from its 2022 economic crisis.