Context

India has launched a Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems Project in Sri Lanka as part of a strategic initiative to strengthen energy infrastructure off Jaffna peninsula.

Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems Project

1. The Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems Project was signed by India and Sri Lanka on March 1, 2024.
2. It was signed by
   1. the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority,
   2. the Government of Sri Lanka, and
   3. the Indian company U-Solar Clean Energy Solutions
3. It is being executed through USD 11-million grant assistance from the Government of India.
4. The contract aims at building Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems in three islands off Jaffna peninsula,
   1. Delft or Neduntheevu
   2. Nainativu
   3. Analaitivu islands
5. Aim: - The project is aimed at addressing energy needs of the people of the three islands.
6. The hybrid project combines various forms of energy including both solar and wind.
7. Capacity: - The project will comprise
   1. 530 kw of wind power,
   2. 1,700 kw of solar power,
   3. 2,400 kWh of battery power and
   4. 2,500 kw diesel power system

Significance of the Initiative

1. The Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems programme is the third India-backed energy project planned for Sri Lanka's north and east.
2. This initiative demonstrates India's sustained commitment to sustainable development in Sri Lanka's northern and eastern areas.
3. This initiative represents a triumph for Indo-Sri Lankan collaboration while also emphasizing the difficulties of regional relations.

India-Sri Lanka Relations

 

Political Relations	Sri Lanka is a member of regional groups such as BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) and South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). India is also a key player of these groups.
Trade Relations	India has traditionally been one of Sri Lanka's greatest commercial partners, and Sri Lanka is still one of India's largest SAARC trading partners. In 2020, India was Sri Lanka's second largest trading partner, with bilateral merchandise trade totaling over USD $3.6 billion.
Cultural Relations	The Cultural Cooperation Agreement signed by the two governments on November 29, 1977. It serves as the foundation for periodic cultural exchange programmes between the two nations.
Defence Relations	Sri Lanka and New Delhi have a long history of security cooperation. In recent years, both sides have progressively boosted their military-to-military cooperation. India and Sri Lanka perform combined military (Mitra Shakti) and naval exercises (SLINEX).
Strategic Interest	The relationship between these two important Indian Ocean nations is seen in the larger regional and Indian Ocean framework.

 

Major Agreements Signed Between India and Sri Lanka

1. India has helped Sri Lanka's Debt Restructuring by partnering with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and creditors.
2. Both India and Sri Lanka have agreed to build a Multi-Product Petroleum Pipeline from southern India to Sri Lanka.
3. The Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) for Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
4. Memorandum of Cooperation for Economic Development Projects in Sri Lanka's Trincomalee District.
5. NPCI International Payments Limited (NPIL) and Lanka Pay have signed a network-to-network agreement to accept Unified Payments Interface (UPI) applications in Sri Lanka.
6. The proposed Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) between India and Sri Lanka will enhance trade in services, investments, and technology cooperation.

 Issues and Conflicts bet India-Sri Lanka Relations

1. Fishermen issue: Sri Lanka has long been concerned about illicit fishing by Indian fishermen in its territorial waters across the Palk Strait.  India detains Sri Lankan fishermen for unlawful fishing.
2. Katchatheevu Island: Sri Lanka recognises its sovereignty over the island under the 1974 agreement. However, Tamil Nadu contended that Katchatheevu is under Indian territory.
3. Chinese influence in Sri Lanka: China has used geoeconomics to advance its geopolitical goals in Sri Lanka. This has led to strategic land grabs, which might quickly escalate into a civil-military conflict. 

Conclusion

The Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems Project initiative is a watershed event in Indo-Sri Lankan relations, demonstrating India's commitment to sustainable energy development in the area. India's proactive approach, granting grant assistance rather than a loan, underlines its geopolitical interests in the region.

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