Sri Lanka Honours India's INS Vikrant for Cyclone Ditwah Relief; India Pledges $450M Aid

• Sri Lanka honoured eight foreign vessels, including India's INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri, for Cyclone Ditwah relief efforts.
• Cyclone Ditwah caused over 600 deaths and widespread destruction in Sri Lanka in November.
• India's 'Operation Sagar Bandhu' was among the first to respond, delivering over 1,100 tonnes of relief material and medical supplies.
• Indian Navy's INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri, along with IAF Mi-17 helicopters, played a crucial role in HADR operations.
• India announced a USD 450 million reconstruction package for Sri Lanka, including USD 350 million in concessional Lines of Credit and USD 100 million in grants.

Why It Matters: Sri Lanka acknowledges India's swift aid and significant financial support post-Cyclone Ditwah.