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2 Dec 2025·Source: The Hindu
2 min
International RelationsEnvironment & EcologyNEWS

PM Modi Reaffirms India's Support to Sri Lanka for Cyclone Relief Efforts

PM Modi spoke with the Sri Lankan President, reaffirming India's commitment to provide continued support for cyclone relief efforts in the island nation.

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PM Modi Reaffirms India's Support to Sri Lanka for Cyclone Relief Efforts

Photo by Rijk van de Kaa

त्वरित संशोधन

1.

PM Modi spoke with Sri Lankan President

2.

Offered continued support for cyclone relief

3.

India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy in action

4.

Naval ships and relief materials dispatched

दृश्य सामग्री

India's Cyclone Relief to Sri Lanka: 'Neighbourhood First' in Action

This map illustrates the geographical context of India's humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka following severe floods and landslides. It highlights Sri Lanka as the affected nation and India as the primary responder, demonstrating the 'Neighbourhood First' policy in the Indian Ocean Region.

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📍Sri Lanka📍India📍Bay of Bengal

परीक्षा के दृष्टिकोण

1.

Understanding India's foreign policy doctrines (Neighbourhood First, SAGAR, Act East).

2.

Role of HADR in India's diplomacy and soft power projection.

3.

India-Sri Lanka bilateral relations and strategic importance.

4.

Regional cooperation mechanisms in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

5.

Challenges and opportunities for India in its neighbourhood.

विस्तृत सारांश देखें

सारांश

Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a telephone conversation with the Sri Lankan President, extending India's unwavering commitment to provide continued support for the ongoing cyclone relief efforts in Sri Lanka. This gesture comes in the wake of severe floods and landslides that have devastated parts of the island nation. India's proactive offer of assistance, including the dispatch of naval ships and relief materials, is a clear demonstration of its "Neighbourhood First" policy.

This policy prioritizes friendly relations and cooperation with India's immediate neighbours, especially during times of crisis. Such humanitarian assistance not only strengthens bilateral ties but also reinforces India's role as a responsible and reliable partner in the region, contributing to regional stability and collective resilience against natural calamities.

पृष्ठभूमि

India's foreign policy has historically emphasized close ties with its immediate neighbours, evolving from the Gujral Doctrine's non-reciprocity to the more comprehensive 'Neighbourhood First' policy. This policy recognizes the interconnectedness of India's security and prosperity with that of its neighbours. Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) has emerged as a crucial tool in this engagement, demonstrating India's commitment as a first responder in the region.

नवीनतम घटनाक्रम

Prime Minister Modi's reaffirmation of support to Sri Lanka for cyclone relief efforts, including the dispatch of naval ships and relief materials, is a direct application of the 'Neighbourhood First' policy. This comes in the wake of severe floods and landslides, highlighting India's proactive role in regional disaster management and its commitment to strengthening bilateral ties during crises.

बहुविकल्पीय प्रश्न (MCQ)

1. With reference to India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and its engagement with Sri Lanka, consider the following statements: 1. The 'Neighbourhood First' policy primarily focuses on economic integration and cultural exchanges with immediate neighbours. 2. Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations are a key component of India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, enhancing its role as a first responder. 3. India's recent assistance to Sri Lanka for cyclone relief is also aligned with its broader 'SAGAR' (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
उत्तर देखें

सही उत्तर: B

Statement 1 is partially correct but not primary. 'Neighbourhood First' encompasses a holistic approach including security, connectivity, and people-to-people ties, not just economic and cultural. However, HADR is a crucial aspect. Statement 2 is correct, as HADR demonstrates India's commitment to its neighbours in times of crisis. Statement 3 is also correct; the 'SAGAR' vision emphasizes maritime security, economic cooperation, and disaster management in the Indian Ocean Region, making HADR operations a natural fit.

2. In the context of India's strategic engagement in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), consider the following statements: 1. The 'Colombo Security Conclave' is a trilateral initiative involving India, Sri Lanka, and Maldives, primarily focused on maritime security and cooperation. 2. India's 'Project Mausam' aims to re-establish its ancient maritime links and cultural heritage with countries in the IOR. 3. The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) primarily focuses on military cooperation and joint exercises among its member states. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
उत्तर देखें

सही उत्तर: A

Statement 1 is correct. The Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) was established as a trilateral maritime security group, later expanded to include Mauritius as a fourth member. Statement 2 is correct. Project Mausam is an initiative by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, to explore the multi-faceted Indian Ocean world and re-establish ancient maritime cultural and economic linkages. Statement 3 is incorrect. IORA is an inter-governmental organization aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and sustainable development within the Indian Ocean region, focusing on trade, investment, and sustainable management of marine resources, not primarily military cooperation.

3. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding India's foreign policy doctrines and initiatives?

  • A.The Gujral Doctrine advocates for non-reciprocity in relations with smaller neighbours in South Asia.
  • B.The 'Act East Policy' is a successor to the 'Look East Policy' with an enhanced focus on strategic and economic ties.
  • C.The 'SAGAR' vision primarily emphasizes land-based connectivity projects with South Asian nations.
  • D.India's 'Vaccine Maitri' initiative demonstrated its soft power diplomacy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
उत्तर देखें

सही उत्तर: C

Statement A is correct. The Gujral Doctrine, formulated by former PM I.K. Gujral, emphasized non-reciprocity towards smaller neighbours. Statement B is correct. The 'Act East Policy' (2014) built upon the 'Look East Policy' (1991) by adding a strategic dimension to economic engagement with Southeast Asian and East Asian countries. Statement C is incorrect. The 'SAGAR' (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision, articulated by PM Modi, primarily emphasizes maritime security, economic cooperation, and disaster management in the Indian Ocean Region, not land-based connectivity. Statement D is correct. 'Vaccine Maitri' was an initiative to supply COVID-19 vaccines to countries worldwide, showcasing India's humanitarian efforts and soft power.