India’s Strategic Masterstroke in Sri Lanka to Counter China, Partners with UAE
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): India has taken an important diplomatic step towards strengthening its strategic hold in the Indian Ocean region and balancing the growing influence of China. A historic trilateral agreement was signed between India, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and host Sri Lanka during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Sri Lanka in Colombo on Saturday. Under this agreement, Sri Lanka's strategically important Trincomalee port will be developed as a major regional energy hub.
The agreement was signed during Prime Minister Modi's first visit to Sri Lanka after the new President Anura Kumara Dissanayake took power, adding to the significance of the move. The agreement was signed by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on behalf of India, Sri Lanka's Energy Secretary Professor KTM Udayanga Hempala and UAE representatives.
Trincomalee is a natural deep port and its strategic location in the Indian Ocean makes it extremely important. Under the proposed energy hub project, a multi-product petroleum pipeline will be laid here, existing oil tank farms will be expanded and modernized, and world-class infrastructure for logistics will be created. It is worth noting that the Sri Lankan subsidiary of Indian Oil Corporation is already operating some oil tank farms in Trincomalee.
The agreement is being seen as a 'masterstroke' by India against the billion-dollar port and infrastructure projects being pursued by China in the Indian Ocean. It will not only take energy cooperation and trade between India, UAE and Sri Lanka to new heights but will also help in establishing a reliable and sustainable energy supply chain in the region.
Speaking on the occasion, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said, "Trincomali has immense potential to become a hub for regional energy cooperation. The UAE is a key strategic energy partner of India and their joining this initiative is a historic and first-time event for the region." This trilateral initiative symbolises India's growing role in the Indian Ocean region and its strengthening ties with its partner countries.
