India and Sri Lanka took a significant step toward regional energy integration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) interconnection between the two nations. This landmark agreement was signed by Shri Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary of India, and Prof. K.T.M. Udayanga Hemapala, Secretary of Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Energy, during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Colombo.
This MoU is part of a broader vision to create a South Asian regional power grid, including initiatives under the BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal) and SAARC frameworks. It complements other recent initiatives such as the Sampur Solar Power Project (120 MW) and the planned Trincomalee Energy Hub, which aim to position Sri Lanka as a regional energy node.
The project aims to build a 285-kilometre-long HVDC transmission system, including 50 km of submarine cables beneath the Palk Strait. It will connect Madurai in Tamil Nadu, India, with Anuradhapura in north-central Sri Lanka. The total estimated cost of the project is ₹9,900 crore (approximately $1.2 billion). The implementation will be jointly handled by India’s Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. (PGCIL) and Sri Lanka’s Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB).
The HVDC interconnection is designed to enable bidirectional power flow, allowing both countries to trade electricity efficiently based on demand and availability. This will not only enhance grid reliability and energy security but also foster the integration of renewable energy sources into the regional grid. As both countries scale up solar, wind, and other clean energy infrastructure, this cross-border linkage will help stabilize supply and reduce energy deficits.
By combining technical cooperation, infrastructure investment, and diplomatic trust, the HVDC interconnection sets a precedent for sustainable development in the region. It is not just a bilateral energy project—it’s a symbol of strategic partnership, regional connectivity, and shared commitment to a greener, more resilient energy future for South Asia.
