Essentials like food resources, medicines, and makeshift shelters have been sent as part of the relief materials. India’s Ministry of Home Affairs held a top-level meeting with the participation of bureaucrats and politicians to decide on the materials to be dispatched.
A statement from India’s Ministry External Affairs read: “India is extending help and relief to Sri Lanka which is battling torrential rains and landslides which have caused significant devastation and loss of life. “The Indian Navy is sending two ships today, INS Sutlej and INS Sunanyna with Geminis [inflatable boats], OBMs [outboard motors], additional divers, tarpaulins, consumable stores, rations, etc.”
Sri Lanka, located on the southern foot of the Indian sub-continent, has been slipping out of India’s watchful ties under China’s growing influence in the region. New Delhi has been keen on getting the strategically important relations with Sri Lanka back on track ever since the Modi administration came to power in 2014.
The latest cyclone, which has been wreaking havoc in Sri Lanka, has also provided India with the perfect opportunity to pitch in providing the much-needed relief measures.
The disaster has already claimed 63 lives and more than 400,000 people are badly affected by torrential downpour and landslides triggered by heavy rain.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also consoled citizens who have lost loved ones. He said: "My deepest condolences and sympathies on the loss of lives in Sri Lanka due to the inclement weather. We stand resolutely to help the Government and people of Sri Lanka. Assistance is being rushed on emergency basis."
