NEWS – External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe inaugurated the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Sri Lanka.

CONSTRUCTION AND FUNDING

• Builder: Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL)
• Funding: $6 million grant from India
• Location: Headquarters of the Lankan Navy in Colombo
  • Sub-centre: Hambantota
  • Linked Units: Galle, Arugam Bay, Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Kallarawa, Point Pedro, Mullikulam

STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE

• Indian Navy Ship: INS Kamorta arrived at Trincomalee Harbour during Jaishankar’s visit.
• Regional Power Projection: Enhances India’s influence in the Indian Ocean amid China’s increasing presence.
• Security Concerns: Hambantota port, built by and leased to China, raises security issues for India.

COOPERATION AND FUTURE PROSPECTS

• Discussion Areas:
  • Power
  • Energy
  • Connectivity
  • Port Infrastructure
  • Aviation
  • Digital Technologies
  • Health
  • Food Security
  • Education
  • Tourism

OPERATIONAL ROLE

• Coordination: The MRCC will coordinate operations of the Lankan Navy and Coast Guard.
• Coverage Area: Vast Search and Rescue Region of Sri Lanka, strategically located along busy sea lanes in the Indian Ocean.