India-Sri Lanka Sign MoUs to Boost Bilateral Cooperation

On 16th December 2024, India and Sri Lanka signed several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in New Delhi to strengthen cooperation in key sectors, including defence, energy, infrastructure, and education.

Key Points

Defence Cooperation: Both nations agreed to expedite a defence cooperation agreement and enhance collaboration on maritime security, counter-terrorism, and disaster relief under the Colombo Security Conclave.
Economic Ties: Plans include energy grid connectivity, LNG supply, multi-petroleum pipelines, and the development of the Sampur Solar Power Plant.
Infrastructure Development: India will rehabilitate Sri Lanka’s Maho-Anuradhapura railway system and assist in the development of Kankesanthurai Port.
Educational Support: India will offer monthly scholarships to 200 students in Jaffna and Eastern Province and train 1,500 Sri Lankan civil servants over the next five years.
Key Sectors: Enhanced cooperation in housing, renewable energy, agriculture, dairy, fisheries, and Sri Lanka’s digital identity project.
Financial Assistance: India has provided $5 billion in lines of credit and grants to Sri Lanka, prioritizing projects aligned with Sri Lanka’s development goals.