Sri Lanka and India Discuss Renewable Energy Cooperation at ISA Assembly

Officials from Sri Lanka and India recently met in New Delhi to discuss expanding their cooperation in renewable energy, a move that aims to strengthen bilateral ties while addressing the energy needs of Sri Lanka. While many people search for information on Sri Lanka, this diplomatic engagement highlights the country's proactive efforts to transition toward sustainable power sources through regional partnerships.

The discussions took place on the sidelines of the Ninth Session of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly, which was held from November 3 to 5, 2026. Deputy Minister of Energy Muhammadu Ilyas Muhammadu Arkam represented Sri Lanka, meeting with India’s Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Venkatesh Joshi. According to the Sri Lankan High Commission, the primary objective of the meeting was to translate existing framework agreements into practical projects.

Advancing Solar Energy in Sri Lanka

Key areas of focus included the integration of solar power into the national grid, the implementation of battery energy storage systems, and the adoption of digital grid management. Both nations explored the potential for floating solar projects and the application of solar technology within the agricultural sector. A significant portion of the dialogue was dedicated to operationalizing the Solar Technology Application Resource Centre (STAR-C) at the University of Moratuwa, which is intended to bolster technical capacity and research.

Deputy Minister Arkam outlined Sri Lanka’s ambitious renewable energy goals, which include increasing the share of renewables in electricity generation to 70% by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality in the power sector by 2050. He highlighted the country's potential for floating solar installations in reservoirs, as well as ongoing and planned wind power developments in the Northern, Eastern, and Southern regions. Furthermore, the government is exploring green hydrogen, electric mobility, and advanced charging infrastructure to support this transition.

Sri Lanka and India are deepening renewable energy cooperation to boost solar capacity and grid modernization.

Sri Lanka has been a member of the International Solar Alliance since 2018 and is currently collaborating with the organization on several initiatives. These include the development of a National Solar Energy Roadmap, the creation of a digital approval system for solar projects, and ongoing support for floating solar development. The discussions emphasized that technology transfer and investment are critical to ensuring energy security and achieving long-term sustainability goals.

Why it matters

This cooperation is significant as it provides Sri Lanka with the technical expertise and investment necessary to modernize its national electricity grid. By aligning with India’s renewable energy framework, Sri Lanka aims to secure a more stable and sustainable power supply, which directly benefits the country's economic and environmental future.

For the broader South Asian region, these initiatives represent a commitment to shared climate goals and energy security. The focus on regional cooperation and technology sharing serves as a model for how neighboring countries can integrate their energy systems to meet the growing demand for clean power.