India and Sri Lanka Launch Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC)
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | June 20, 2024 |
| Countries Involved | India and Sri Lanka |
| Key Initiative | Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) |
| Commissioned By | External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar (India) and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe |
| Funding | $6 million grant from India |
| Locations | Main centre at Colombo Naval Headquarters, sub-centre in Hambantota, and unmanned installations across Sri Lanka's coastline |
| Significance | Boosts maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region, particularly in the context of India-China rivalry |
| Hambantota Port | Constructed with Chinese aid, leased in 2017 to a firm with 87% ownership by China Merchant Ports (CMPorts), 13% by Sri Lankan government |
| Previous Agreements | 2022: Multiple agreements, including the gifting of a Dornier aircraft and a floating dock (capacity: 4,000 tonnes, accommodates vessels up to 115 metres) |
| Diplomatic Vision | Part of India's SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and Neighbourhood First policy |
| Recent Diplomatic Move | Sri Lanka instituted a moratorium on Chinese research vessels docking at its ports in December 2023 |
| Meetings During Visit | S. Jaishankar met with Sri Lankan Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry, Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa |