Trinco energy hub: Project complex with significant financial outlays - Indian Foreign Secretary

By Kelum Bandara 

Asserting that there is no further time to lose on strategic projects such as the Trincomalee energy hub, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said yesterday that although a timeline has not yet been established, discussions are in progress, given the complexity of the project and its significant financial outlays. 

Making his remarks at a press conference, Mr. Misri, who accompanied Indian Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, said that some time would be required to finalise the details. 
“We had initial discussions in 2023 on this, and subsequently, it took shape as a three-way cooperation project among India, Sri Lanka, and the UAE. It includes the possibility of building a pipeline from southern India to Trincomalee in the first phase. In parallel, it also includes the possibility of developing the tank farm complex in Trincomalee. We have now shared a considerable amount of information on this with Sri Lanka,” he said. 
He said this was the subject of fairly detailed discussions, including in meetings held yesterday between the two delegations at multiple levels. “Progress on this project would stand in good stead, especially at a time like this, when both energy prices and availability are becoming pressing concerns for several countries around the world, particularly in this region,” he said.  
“We had the opportunity today to underline the importance, the strategic nature, and the urgency of the project. We very much look forward to working with our Sri Lankan colleagues to take this idea forward,” he added.