A proposed oil pipeline linking India and Sri Lanka and the long-discussed Trincomalee energy hub project were on the agenda during Sunday’s meeting between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and visiting Indian Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri disclosed.
Addressing a media briefing in Colombo, Misri said the two sides emphasised the value of energy connectivity “especially when the entire world and the South Asian region, especially, is facing the fallout of an energy crisis generated by the situation in West Asia.” The reference pointed to the Strait of Hormuz disruption that has forced Sri Lanka to secure emergency fuel shipments at crisis-level premiums since early April.
Misri said President Dissanayake highlighted India’s “first responder” role in Sri Lanka’s 2022 economic crisis and after Cyclone Ditwah in December 2025, and acknowledged Indian assistance during the current West Asia crisis. The talks also covered Indian investments in ports, ongoing digital sector cooperation, the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA), and a digital identity project.
The cross-sea oil pipeline concept has a history stretching back to February 2024, when Indian Oil Company (IOC) formally proposed the link. It is the first time the proposal has resurfaced at head-of-state level since the April 2026 Hormuz crisis began.
Radhakrishnan arrived Sunday morning on a two-day official visit. He also met Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and other senior officials. The discussions covered the Indian Housing Project and projects being implemented under the USD 450 million package for areas affected by Cyclone Ditwah.
