Sri Lankan MP Sujeewa Senasinghe highlighted the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean while delivering a keynote address at the NXT Conclave 2026 in New Delhi on the future of sea trade and transshipment between India and Sri Lanka.
Tracing the history of maritime commerce, he noted that ancient trade hubs such as Petra, Alexandria and Constantinople played a key role in shaping early global trade. He added that sea trade in the region dates back nearly 3,000 years, when goods such as cinnamon and pepper were exported from South India along the ancient incense trade routes.
Speaking about the modern era, Senasinghe emphasised the significance of the Indian Ocean region, noting that it accounts for about 44 percent of the world’s surface area, 65 percent of the global population and nearly 70 percent of shipborne energy transport. He said the growing economies of India and Sri Lanka present significant opportunities for regional cooperation.
The MP stressed that ports in the two countries should function in a complementary manner rather than competing with each other. He noted that Sri Lankan ports such as Port of Colombo, Port of Hambantota and Kankesanthurai Harbour play an important role in enhancing regional connectivity under a hub-and-spoke model that supports efficient cargo movement.
Senasinghe also highlighted the region’s renewable energy potential, stating that Sri Lanka has the capacity to generate up to 60 gigawatts of wind energy. He suggested that transmitting a portion of this energy to India could help meet the country’s growing electricity demand while reducing reliance on volatile global oil markets.
He further underlined Sri Lanka’s strategic role as a maritime buffer in the region, noting that stronger cooperation between India and Sri Lanka could help secure key sea routes, improve trade efficiency and promote regional development.
With container volumes in Sri Lanka expected to nearly double by 2040 and new opportunities emerging in energy collaboration, Senasinghe said the two countries could work together to build an integrated Indian Ocean trade network and drive regional prosperity.
