Offshore Wind Could Transform India–Sri Lanka Relations, Former Chief Economic Advisor Of India

COLOMBO (News 1st); A powerful vision for the future of India–Sri Lanka cooperation is emerging, and at the heart of it is an unexpected force: offshore wind.

According to Dr. Arvind Subramaniam, former Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India, the winds across the Palk Strait hold “enormous” renewable energy potential — enough, he says, to reshape economic relations between the two neighbours and create a shared energy future.

Speaking on the evolving Indo–Lanka partnership, Dr. Subramaniam stressed that renewable energy is one of the most promising areas for cooperation, especially between Sri Lanka and India’s southern states.

“The potential of offshore wind in the Palk Straits is enormous,” he said. “It requires collaboration between India and Sri Lanka, and it could become a renewable source for both countries. Sri Lanka could even sell that energy.”

Dr. Subramaniam noted that collaboration between the two countries is not hypothetical — it has already materialised in concrete ways.

He pointed to India’s significant role in Sri Lanka’s debt negotiations, where New Delhi played a decisive part in securing debt write‑offs and reductions.

“That is a concrete example of how India has helped — and can continue to help,” he said.

While offshore wind stood out as a flagship opportunity, Dr. Subramaniam emphasised that the scope for collaboration spans multiple sectors and carries benefits for both nations.

Asked what India should do in the coming years, Dr. Subramaniam framed the answer as a matter of strategic direction rather than isolated policy choices.

He argued that any nation aspiring to become a major regional power must prioritise strong relationships with its neighbours — a factor made even more important by the presence of powerful competitors in the region.

“To become a power, especially in the region, India needs good relationships with its neighbours,” he explained.

“If the Indian government decides that intensive cooperation with neighbours, including Sri Lanka, is in India’s own self‑interest, that becomes the critical decision.”

He added that signs already suggest such a shift is under way.

“More and more, I feel they have taken that decision.”

News 1st's Omethra Abeykoon contributed to this report.