India’s "Disaster Diplomacy": Jaishankar in Colombo to Unveil Major Post-Cyclone Reconstruction Plan
EAM’s mission targets infrastructure, energy security, and Tamil community recovery as India counters regional competition with a "Stability" blueprint. COLOMBO – In a high-stakes diplomatic move, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka on Monday, December 22, 2025 . The visit, coming just weeks after the catastrophic Cyclone Ditwah claimed over 640 lives and displaced millions, signals a pivot from emergency humanitarian relief to a long-term strategic reconstruction partnership. The Humanitarian Mandate: Transitioning from Relief to Reconstruction Dr. Jaishankar’s primary agenda is to formally transition India’s support from Operation Sagar Bandhu —the immediate disaster response—to a comprehensive "Special Cooperation Package." Following the cyclone’s landfall on November 27, India was the first responder, deploying the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant , BHISHM modular trauma units , and specialized search-an...