UAE, India, and Sri Lanka signed an MoU to develop Trincomalee as a regional energy hub
Trilateral MoU focuses on transforming Trincomalee into a regional center for energy, logistics, and fuel security
UAE, India, and Sri Lanka Unite to Develop Trincomalee into Strategic Energy Hub
Abu Dhabi: The UAE, India, and Sri Lanka have entered into a landmark trilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at developing Trincomalee in Sri Lanka into a vital regional energy and logistics hub. The goals of this strategic project are to improve regional energy infrastructure, promote economic cooperation, and increase energy security.
Santosh Jha, the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, H.E. Khaled Nasser AlAmeri, the UAE Ambassador to Sri Lanka, and Prof. K.T.M. Udayanga Hemapala, the Secretary of Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Energy, all signed the agreement.
A cooperative plan for improving and expanding Trincomalee’s energy infrastructure is outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding. The building of a bi-directional petroleum pipeline between India and Sri Lanka, the refurbishment and development of the Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm, the start of bunker fuel supply projects, and the possible construction of a new oil refinery are some of the main areas of concentration.
Each nation has assigned a lead agency to manage these initiatives. Abu Dhabi Ports Group PJSC (AD Ports) will represent the United Arab Emirates, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) will represent India, and Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) will represent Sri Lanka. To oversee the execution and running of the suggested initiatives, these organizations will establish a joint venture business.
UAE Minister of Investment, H.E. Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, highlighted the importance of this MoU as a symbol of the UAE’s commitment to fostering strategic partnerships that support sustainable development and regional resilience. He emphasized the goal of turning Trincomalee into a gateway for energy and logistics in South Asia.
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri also noted the agreement’s significance in deepening the India-UAE partnership while bolstering ties with Sri Lanka through shared strategic interests.
Long-term fuel security, logistical capacities, and regional energy connectivity are all anticipated to be significantly improved by this trilateral partnership. It also represents the UAE’s overarching goal of fostering significant international collaborations that support infrastructure upgrading and economic advancement.
