Renewed push by India, Sri Lanka, UAE for Trincomalee oil hub development

Discussions surrounding the long-anticipated Trincomalee oil storage and energy hub have gained fresh momentum, with India, Sri Lanka, and the United Arab Emirates reaffirming their commitment to the project.

According to Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, the proposed developments—including the Trincomalee oil farm and a cross-border oil pipeline between India and Sri Lanka—were key topics during the recent visit of Indian Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan to Sri Lanka.

Speaking to the media in Colombo on Sunday (19), Misri said the matter was also discussed at a high-level meeting with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. He noted that the energy initiative, which involves cooperation with the UAE, has been under consideration since 2023.

Although a definitive timeline has not yet been established, officials described the project as a major strategic investment with significant long-term value. Misri stressed the importance of accelerating progress, stating that there is little time to delay implementation of such key infrastructure projects.

He further added that a fully operational energy hub could have provided critical support during periods of global instability, including disruptions linked to ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

The three nations signed an agreement last year after extended negotiations, outlining plans for a multi-product oil pipeline between India and Sri Lanka, along with the development of the Trincomalee oil storage facility. The project is seen as a major step toward strengthening regional energy cooperation and connectivity.