India’s recent humanitarian intervention in Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah once again underlined the growing centrality of the Indian Air Force (IAF) in regional disaster response. In November 2024, the IAF deployed IL-76 and C-130J transport aircraft to evacuate 335 stranded Indian nationals from Colombo while simultaneously delivering emergency relief supplies.
Among the most climate-vulnerable groups or weaker sections of society, persons with disabilities (PwDs) have been facing extreme challenges due to climate change and disasters than others.
Disasters are defined as severe disruptions in the routine functioning of society due to adverse events which cause serious harm to lives and livelihoods, economy, environment, and social and cultural resources.
The unprecedented destruction caused by Tsunami waves on December 26 last year is not only a rare phenomenon for Indian Ocean countries, but it is also unique as it witnessed intense diplomatic manoeuvring in the name of aid. The aid flowing from donor countries carry not only humanitarian assistance but are also seen as a diplomatic tool used to further their foreign policy objectives. The first move in this regard was made by India while coping with the disaster on its eastern shores. It is interesting to note that despite suffering the loss of almost 15,000 lives and the need for Rs.